Codacons threatens September shopping strike

Consumer watchdog Codacons on Tuesday threatened ''the biggest shopping strike ever held in Italy'' in September if producers do not cut prices in a bid to ease the cost of living for families.
Codacons also issued a three-point plan to improve the economic situation after national statistics bureau Istat confirmed that Italy's year-on-year inflation rate hit a 12-year high of 4.1% in July.
''The alarming economic crisis in which Italian families currently find themselves seems to just be a preview of a situation which in September will doubtless by more catastrophic,'' Codacons said.
The plan, which would allow every family to save around 480 euros between September and December, includes an immediate decrease in prices by 20% by retailers, particularly in the food sector.
Secondly, Codacons said town councils should create a special school kit including text books that would cost no more than 20 euros.
Finally, the consumer group called for local markets to open Sunday in 8,000 Italian towns so that families can buy directly from farmers, who sell produce at around 40% less than in the shops.
On Monday Codacons Chairman Carlo Rienzi said a 6.1% year-on-year inflation rate for prime necessities was pushing many Italian families to the brink of bankruptcy.
Aggravating inflation again in July were the soaring costs of pasta and bread along with runaway prices for fuels and higher holiday costs.