Italian university students against professor Monti

FLORENCE, ITALY – Italian university students union UDU organised symbolic gatherings at several major Italian universities yesterday, in protest at what they describe as “the government’s total lack of interest in state universities.”

Among others, meetings were held across the country, at Padua, Parma, Florence, L’Aquila and Palermo universities.

According to UDU spokesman Michele Orezzi, “the government resorts to EU commitments as an excuse for austerity policies which are breeding huge cuts to welfare and services. The government should also be reminded that elsewhere in Europe higher education and access to education are heavily funded.” Orezzi went on to submit that that today’s meetings “are just the start of a long autumn.” (Agi)