Fewer weapons, higher wages!” Italy faces new protests on October 30

Another wave of protests is expected to take place in Italy on Friday, October 30, following the USB union’s call for a general strike.

The mobilization will involve numerous sectors, including education, healthcare and port workers. Rallies have been announced in Rome, Milan, Bologna, Turin, Florence, Naples and Palermo.

The protests will be held under the slogan “Cut weapons, raise wages. Let’s shut everything down!”, with opposition to war and concerns over the rising cost of living at the forefront. Workers, pensioners, students, housing-rights activists and pro-Palestinian groups are expected to take to the streets.

USB has called on citizens and representatives of various social groups to take part in joint action. The union’s demands include curbing rising prices, increasing wages and pensions, and using public funds for social services instead of spending on arms.

University and high school students, farmers, transport workers, organizations defending the right to housing and social centers have joined the call.

Meanwhile, according to Italian media, the authorities responsible for security are closely monitoring the organization of the protests and the situation in the main cities.

Police are carrying out checks on the ground and maintaining contact with the organizers. At the same time, attention has also been focused on online activity to identify potential violent groups that could join the rallies, as well as possible links between different sources of discontent.