Italy is seeing a wave of protests this week, ranging from university staff demanding better funding to truck drivers striking against changes to the Highway Code. Meanwhile, in Romania, thousands rallied in support of a recently arrested individual.
University Staff Demand Change
Temporary university staff in Italy are making their voices heard. A manifesto, summarizing discussions from a national assembly of precarious workers, calls for a significant overhaul of the higher education system. Central to their demands is a doubling of university funding. They also staunchly oppose the proposed Bernini reform, which they believe will negatively impact their job security and working conditions.
The manifesto goes even further, advocating for a halt to research projects linked to warfare. This stance reflects a growing concern among academics about the ethical implications of research funding and the potential for their work to be used for military purposes. This action followed the release of a letter promoted by university agitation states.
Truck Drivers Strike Over Highway Code Changes
Adding to the unrest, the union L’Usb has declared an "immediate and unyielding" strike by truck drivers across Italy. The strike is a direct response to proposed changes to the Highway Code, particularly the introduction of a brief license suspension for certain violations.
The union argues that these suspensions unfairly penalize workers who are often already facing challenges due to the structural shortcomings of the transport sector. They point to inadequate infrastructure and systemic issues that contribute to violations. According to the union, "the introduction of a brief license suspension penalizes workers who often face penalties due to the structural shortcomings of the sector and the dedicated infrastructures." The lack of response from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) has further fueled the drivers' anger.
Romania: Rally for Călin Georgescu
Across the continent, in Bucharest, Romania, thousands of people gathered in a show of support for Călin Georgescu. The demonstration, organized by the Alliance for the Union of Romanians party, took place just days after Georgescu's arrest. The specific charges against Georgescu remain unclear, but the large turnout suggests significant public concern over his detention.
Political Fallout in Treviglio
Finally, in Treviglio, Italy, Silvia Colombo, a councilor from the Fratelli d'Italia (FdI) party, has resigned following controversial comments. Colombo suggested that individuals who are pregnant or ill should consider leaving their positions. Her remarks sparked widespread criticism, leading to her resignation. Colombo has since described the intervention as "manipulated" and criticized her party for handling the matter "lightly."
These events across Italy and Romania highlight a period of significant political and social unrest, with citizens and workers demanding change and accountability from their governments.