ITALY: PROTESTS AGAINST CUTS IN SOCIAL SERVICES

Описание: (12 Nov 1994) Italian/Natsot

At least one (m)million protesters marched through the Italian capital Rome today (Saturday) in protest against the government's determination to cut pensions and other social services.

The conservative coalition government of Silvio Berlusconi says the cuts are necessary to redress Italy's worsening budget deficit.

Trade union representatives, have vowed to fight the Italian government every step of the way.

They came by the thousands from all over Italy - more than 50 trains, thousands of buses car and even ferries brought them to the Italian capital Rome.

On foot they marched through the streets, shouting, chanting and singing as they demanded that the government of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi change its budget proposal.

They are angry over plans by the governing conservative coalition to reform Italy's pension system, one of the most generous in Europe.

Government officials argue that the cuts are necessary to help control the country's budget deficit, but few people on the streets today are buying that argument.
One Italian pensioner marched with a cross on his back to demonstrate his anger.

SOUNDBITE:
"I'm a pensioner, they have crucified me.."
SUPER CAPTION: Voxpop

On of the government's most persistent and popular opponents is the leader of the General Confederation of Italian Workers, Sergio Cofferati. With five-point-three
(m) million members, it is the largest trade union in Italy.

He believes that the government is trying to make those who can least afford it pay for the budget reforms. The demonstrations are designed to force the government to change its policies.

SOUNDBITE:
Demagoguery can attract attention, but it is a short-lived attention. Instead it is better to tell them the truth. The truth makes people reason on facts and figures..
SUPER CAPTION: Sergi Cofferati, Trade Union leader

There were not just pensioners at today's events. Hundreds of thousands of people of all ages said they were not satisfied with government proposals.

SOUNDBITE:
Italian people are here in Rome because we want to change the Italian government. We want jobs, we want democracy.
SUPER CAPTION: Voxpop

The cloudless sky undoubtedly contributed to the turnout and the upbeat atmosphere. Police estimated a million people took part and there are no reports of any violence.

But the political message was clear. The most prominent political figure at the rally, communist party member Lucio Manisco stated that his party stood behind the workers demands.

SOUNDBITE:
We're here to protest against the government. It is an anti-worker government with plans against pensions and health insurance..
SUPER CAPTION: Lucio Manisco, Communist member of parliament.

Today's rally marks the high point of the nation-wide protest against the government's budget. Still, even with one (m)million people marching in the streets, the Berlusconi government has indicated it has no intention of altering its proposals.

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