Italian protests over cost of living turn violent in Milan and Rome

Italian students and unions are protesting across the country against the rising cost of living and unaffordable housing, with demonstrations turning violent in some cities. The protests have prompted the largest left-wing union to call for a general strike on November 20. Student groups have occupied squares and high schools in Rome and other cities, demanding government limits on rent increases and at least seven billion euros in education investment. Union leader Maurizio Landini announced the strike, citing inflation that Italian wages, among Europe's lowest, cannot keep pace with. In Milan, a protest was infiltrated by violent youths who damaged property and clashed with police, drawing condemnation from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Opposition parties also condemned the violence but expressed understanding for the protesters' grievances.