Strike today: a city-by-city map of protests against the high cost of living. Be aware of the marches
The protest against rearmament and the high cost of living, organised by the grassroots trade union USB, will take place in over 50 cities, from Milan to Naples, including Turin, Bologna and Rome
‘Lay down your weapons, raise your wages.’ This is the slogan of the general strike called for today by the grassroots trade union USB, which will bring a diverse array of demonstrators onto the streets of over 50 cities to protest against rearmament policies and the high cost of living. From Milan to Naples, via Turin, Bologna and Rome, the marches will bring together workers, pensioners, students, housing rights groups and pro-Palestine organisations. It will also be a day of mobilisation in ports against the arms trade, a campaign launched by several trade union organisations involving more than 100 ports in over 20 different countries.
Security alert
Across the country, in light of the looting and destruction that accompanied the demonstrations at the weekend of 17–18 October, security alert levels are high. Yesterday, the Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, organised a meeting with prefects, police chiefs and senior police officers from all regional capitals to ‘ensure maximum support for those working on the ground’.
In the capital, demonstrators will gather from 10.30 am in Piazza dei Cinquecento, in front of Termini station. The march will wind its way through the streets of the historic centre towards the Imperial Forums. Twenty thousand participants are expected. Yesterday, too, various gatherings of students and activist groups were organised, which are expected to join the main demonstration. Security is at its highest throughout the city centre, but the most sensitive areas are Termini, the government buildings and the Colosseum. Security measures have also been stepped up around the Circus Maximus, where the ‘Villaggio della Difesa’ is due to be inaugurated today in the presence of Minister Guido Crosetto. In the historic area, there will be stands displaying armoured vehicles, drones and other military equipment representing all branches of the armed forces.
The cities involved
In Turin, in addition to the USB rally scheduled for 9.30 am in Piazza Palazzo di Città, the autonomous collectives, students and the Gaza Coordination Committee have announced two events. The first is scheduled for 8.30 am at the Luigi Einaudi University Campus, which was occupied on Monday, and the second for 6 pm in Piazza Castello. Then, at 9 am, a group of students will set off from Palazzo Nuovo, heading for the rally in front of the Town Hall.
In Milan, on the other hand, the two planned marches will head towards the outskirts. The marches are expected to converge in the Loreto area. The first will set off at 9.30 am from Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci, in front of the Polytechnic, and will be attended by university and secondary school students. The second will set off at 10.00 am from Piazza Duca D’Aosta, near Central Station, and has been organised by trade unions and pro-Pal groups.
