Tens of thousands of people, mostly students and workers, took to the streets across Italy on Friday to demand higher wages, improved public services and action to address the rising cost of living, while opposing increased military spending.
The grassroots union Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) called a 24-hour general strike, with protests planned in more than 40 cities.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful, although tensions flared in some areas. Earlier this month, protests turned violent, with demonstrators clashing with police, looting shops and vandalising property.
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Protests have also taken place in other European countries, including France, Spain, Belgium and Albania, driven by grievances such as the rising cost of living.
