Thousands protest in Rome over education, labour policies

Nov 27, 2010, 13:23 GMT

Rome - Thousands of people took to the streets of Rome on Saturday to protest the government's labour policies and proposed education reforms.

Organized by Italy's biggest trade union CGIL, the protest was held under the slogan 'The future belongs to young people and to employment.'

The union is demanding the government show more social justice and cut income taxes.

Members of left-wing opposition parties joined the demonstration, as did students, teachers and scientists, who have been holding a series of protests against education reforms.

Parliament is debating a bill presented by Education Minister Maria Stella Gelmini that includes cutting funds to faculties and courses which the government says attract only a few students and drain resources from other more vital areas of study.

Critics say the reforms will make less funds available for research projects and other investments universities have to make to guarantee high standards of education.

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