Author Topic: Thousands protest against austerity in Italy  (Read 1692 times)

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Offline EC

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Thousands protest against austerity in Italy
« on: May 19, 2013, 10:27:59 am »
Via al Jazeera: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/05/2013518182935218908.html

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Thousands of people have protested in Rome against austerity policies and high unemployment, urging new Prime Minister Enrico Letta to focus on creating jobs to help pull the country out of recession.

"We hope that this government will finally start listening to us because we are losing our patience," said Enzo Bernardis, who joined the sea of protesters waving red flags and calling for more workers' rights and better contracts on Saturday.

After less than a month in power, Letta is trying to hold together an uneasy coalition between his centre-left Democratic party and the centre-right People of Freedom, led by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Confidence in the government, cobbled together after inconclusive elections, is already falling, with one poll on Friday by the SWG institute showing its approval rating had dropped to 34 percent from 43 percent at the start of the month.

"We can't wait anymore" and "We need money to live" were among slogans on banners held up by the crowds.

'Need to start over'

Letta promised to make jobs his top priority when he came to power in April after two months of political deadlock. But several protesters complained he was not sticking to his vow, focusing instead on a property tax reform outlined this week.

More at link.

Note these are union sponsored protests.
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Offline mountaineer

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Re: Thousands protest against austerity in Italy
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2013, 06:57:30 pm »
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urging new Prime Minister Enrico Letta to focus on creating jobs to help pull the country out of recession.
What, exactly, do they expect him to do?

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Offline Cincinnatus

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Re: Thousands protest against austerity in Italy
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2013, 07:01:24 pm »
What Italy needs is a Stimulus Program. You know, like the one which has worked so well for us.
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