Meanwhile, around 15,000 port workers, students and other demonstrators entered the port of Genoa.

Tens of thousands of people, mostly students and workers, took to the streets across Italy on Friday to demand higher wages and better public services, protest against the rising cost of living and oppose increased military spending.

The demonstrations were organised following a 24-hour general strike called by grassroots union Unione Sindacale di Base, with protests planned in more than 40 cities.

Although the rallies were largely peaceful, tensions flared in some areas. The demonstrations came after clashes earlier this month in which protesters fought with police, looted shops and vandalised property.

Police Use Water Cannon in Turin and Rome

In Turin, police used water cannon to push back students and left-wing activists who approached security cordons protecting the prefecture building.

In Rome, a large march passed near the Colosseum, where protesters said they planned to set up tents and remain throughout the weekend.

Some rubbish bins were placed across streets and set on fire. Later in the evening, a large group attempted to march towards parliament, prompting police to use water cannon to disperse the crowd, Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Eight people were detained after repeatedly attempting to break through police barricades, according to the agency.

Demonstrations Spread Across Major Cities

In Milan, protesters marched onto the city’s ring road before ending their demonstration outside the Politecnico di Milano university. Demonstrators carried flares and set fire to objects.

Meanwhile, around 15,000 port workers, students and other demonstrators entered the port of Genoa.

They joined similar protests in Europe and elsewhere against the use of ports for arms shipments and drew attention to the deaths of seafarers in conflicts stretching from the Gulf to the Black Sea.

Wider Wave of Protests Across Europe

Italy’s demonstrations came amid a broader wave of protests across European countries, including France, Spain, Belgium and Albania.

The protests have been driven by various grievances, including the rising cost of living and demands for better economic and public services.