Italy: Hundreds protest against PM Berlusconi’s’ polices

(SomaliNet) Some hundred of thousands of Italians took to the streets of Rome on Saturday to protest against the policies of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

The protest march was organised by Walter Veltroni, leader of the Democratic Party, Italy\'s largest opposition party.

According to Mr Veltroni, some 2.5 million people took part in the anti-Berlusconi demonstration. However, other estimates put the number at only several hundred thousand.

In the weeks leading up to today\'s protest march, some 4 million Italians signed a petition expressing concern about the Berlusconi government\'s anti-immigrant policies and abuse of power.

Many Italians are also deeply dissatisfied with the prime minister\'s handling of the economy, falling spending power and cuts to the health and police services.-RNW