Contagion of protests to Italy

From all Italian cities, hundreds of thousands of protesters marched to the capital, Rome, at the urging of trade unions to protest government policies and demand alternatives to advance the Italian economy. This comes in the shadow of economic contraction due to the slowdown in exports.

Hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Rome on Saturday (February 9, 2019) in the biggest demonstration in Italy in four years, led by unions, which calls on the populist government to develop policies that promote economic growth. There were no incidents of violence during the demonstration.

Unions brought protesters from everywhere to the capital using 12 private trains, 1,300 buses, ferries and low-cost flights. The demonstrators carried banners reading "Future for Action" demanding a public and private sector investment program and broader reforms than those currently offered by the government.

The Italian government consists of the far-right "Association" and the five-star populist movement. Italian trade unions described the investment plans announced by the government as being too cautious. She said her plan to reform the pension system was not enough. She also criticized the plan to pay a monthly salary to the poorest Italians, saying it undermined the fight against poverty and unemployment.

Maurizio Landini, head of the 5.6 million-strong CGail, said investment had fallen 30 percent over the past decade. Anamaria Forlan, president of the CISL, the second largest Italian trade union, called on the government to change direction. "We're about to get into a recession," she said.

The Italian economy contracted in the fourth quarter of 2018 due to a slowdown in exports, putting the third largest economy in the euro zone in a recession and increasing government budget problems. Today's demonstration is the largest since four years ago, against the plans of Prime Minister Matthew Renzi for reform.

Italian police have canceled a demonstration of Italian "yellow jackets," which was due to take place today because of fears of violence.