00:00In other information, Italian trade unions have launched a nationwide general strike
00:04across more than 50 cities to protest at the rising cost of living
00:08and soaring military expenditures.
00:10Organized by the union syndical of the bases and social movements,
00:15the National Day of Action saw massive rallies in Rome, Milan, Florence and Naples
00:20demanding higher wages, increased funding for public services
00:23and an immediate reduction in defense spending.
00:26The general strike impacted public administration, healthcare and education
00:31while union leaders rejected order mandates issued by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini
00:37aimed at postponing transport stoppages, demonstrators reaffirm as well
00:42their opposition to Australian measures and military spending hikes
00:45urging structural economic reforms to protect workers purchasing power
00:50amidst rising inflation across the continent.
