Meloni deploys troops as Italy faces widespread strikes and port blockades

Thousands of people were getting ready to take to the streets of Rome, Milan and other Italian cities on Friday as part of nationwide demonstrations against the cost of living and high military spending.

After several weeks of violent protests in Italy and throughout Europe, more widespread disruption is expected after the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) and other trade unions called on both public and private sector workers to strike and protest.

In Rome, many waved communist flags, anti-Iran war signs and Palestinian flags. Some let off pink smoke bombs and their was a jovial mood among the demonstrators as they lined up before the march, as has often been the case early on at previous protests, only for violence to later break out.

Major demonstrations were also expected in other cities, while protesters are also expected to blockade ports in Genoa, Livorno, Trieste and elsewhere.

Protesters storm the Colosseum in Rome

It comes after a number of protests in recent weeks have turned violent. Groups of masked protesters looted stores in Milan and elsewhere and threw projectiles at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons earlier this month.

Protesters also stormed Rome’s historic Colosseum on Saturday…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/world