Italy braces for protests in Rome and Milan over budget cuts

Italian security forces are deploying heavily across eight cities, including Rome and Milan, on Saturday for protests over budget cuts and living costs, following violent demonstrations last weekend. Authorities are using drones and helicopters to monitor the events while aiming to safeguard the right to protest. The October 17 Movement has called for protests at 1300 GMT, with locations revealed only 30 minutes beforehand, and an anti-war group is also rallying in Rome. Milan's mayor urged shops to stay open after looting occurred, while extra soldiers patrol the city centre. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has adopted a security decree easing detention rules for minors and introducing a crime of violent protest participation. Police conducted raids on suspected looters, and most truck blockades that had caused fuel and food shortages in southern Italy have been lifted.