School revolts

Thousands of students in cities across Italy have protested against a government decree that would result in cuts to university and high school budgets. Police blocked off large parts of central Rome, the capital, to prevent violent clashes, but students managed to avoid the blockade. The demonstrators occupied even a highway running to the east of the city, but many students made it clear they intended the action to be a peaceful one.Some carried flags and banners emblazoned with non-violent slogans, and many had painted their hands white as a representation of their peaceful intent.
In Rome's Piazza Navona several people were lightly injured in a clash between left- and right-wing students. In Milan and Naples students occupied train station platforms and some teachers staged open-air classes for students.

The Education Minister Mariastella Gelmini said "we will bring seriousness and merit back to schools". At the end the government decree became law with 162 senators voting in favour and 134 against.

This year the protests have been much brighter and more decisive than last years' ones and although students are not listened to yet we hope to change that and to be heard at the end.The same revolts are taking place in other cities across Europe.

Claudia M.