Student protests against education cuts continued across Italy yesterday as groups of students occupied the Leaning Tower of Pisa and prevented tourists from entering the building. In Rome, students occupied the Colosseum.
Most of the protests were peaceful but students clashed with peace in Milan, Florence, Bologna and Palermo, where they let off smoke bombs and brought traffic to a standstill.
The embattled Education Minister, Mariastella Gelmini said that the proposed reforms are necessary and that too many teachers are cruising along in what they believe is “a job for life”. She also said that university form is necessary to make Italy’s higher education institutions more meritocratic.
Mr Berlusconi’s government faces no confidence votes in both Chambers on 14th December.
