Italian Students Protest Monti 'Bankers' Cabinet', Clash with Police

Students and trade unions demonstrate in Rome, Italy in a protest against government budget cuts. EPA/BGNES

Thousands of Italians marched out in the streets of major cities to protest the taking over of a technocrat cabinet headed by PM Mario Monti, set to tackle the financial instability of the country.

Dozens, both protesters and police, are reported injured in skirmishes in capital Rome, as well as major cities of Milan, Turin and Palermo.

The new cabinet of former EU commissioner Monti was officially sworn in Wednesday, days after embattled longtime PM Silvio Berlusconi resigned last weekend.

In Milan students protested in front of the Bocconi University, which has been headed by Monti as its president.

Elsewhere people gathered in front of universities related to other members of the non-political expert cabinet, as well as in front of financial institutions.

Protesters carried signs such as "We Don't Want Bankers to Rule Us", "The Monti Cabinet Is No Solution," and "Italy Doesn't Need Austerity."

People were throwing eggs and fake dollar bills at buildings, which in some cases provoked police to use force.

At the same time, PM Monti presented the economic policy program of his cabinet to Italy's Senate, which is to hold a vote of confidence later Thursday.

The key goals of the programs are to boost the country's growth and finances.

"We need to overcome this situation in which Italy is the weak link in Europe," said Monti.

Among the measures included is a reform of the labor market and the pension system, as well as a possible additional tax on real estate.

Monti assured that all measures and reforms will be made so as to ensure the maintenance of social justice in the country.

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