Thousands of Italians rally against cuts

Italian students rally against austerity

Tens of thousands of students and workers rallied across Italy on Saturday to protest against austerity measures imposed by the government.

The government has pushed through painful tax increases and spending cuts to try to rein in public finances at a time when schools and universities say they desperately need more support.

"We need to fight for our rights. This government doesn't represent us and these austerity measures and all the cuts they've introduced are totally anti-democratic," said student protester Tommaso Bernardi, attending a rally in Rome.

Several thousand students and workers also rallied in other cities including Naples, Florence and Catania.

Youth unemployment at about 35 percent, more than three times the national average but the policies biting into education spending.

"We need to change this country, starting from investments in schools, universities and culture," said Michele Orezzi, a university union coordinator, adding that Italy's education system was "crumbling into pieces".