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Clashes Erupt During Anti-Austerity Protests in Rome

The protesters are opposed to austerity and economic policies that have been promoted by the government over the years.
Photo by Reuters

Clashes between demonstrators and police erupted Saturday as thousands of Italians hit the streets of Rome to protest austerity and housing policies.

Thousands of Italians staged an anti-austerity protest in Rome on April 12 showing their disapproval of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s almost two-month old government by bringing the heart of the capital to a standstill.

Protesters threw bottles, firecrackers at the police who responded with tear gas. Several people were injured according to local media reports.

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Post by Alessio Ariotto.

The protest, dubbed the “Spring of Social Movements,” was expected to attract thousands to the capital and originated from Porta Pia Square — the same location where clashes erupted between protesters and police last October.

Thousands took to the streets of Rome on October 19, 2013 in protest at Italy’s latest austerity budget.

The protesters are opposed to austerity and economic policies that have been promoted by the government over the years — particularly with housing and the jobs act, which is considered by protesters an attack on the people’s “conditions of life and work.”