80 injured in Italy anti-austerity rally

At least 80 people have been injured in clashes between anti-austerity protesters and security forces in the Italian capital of Rome.

According to AFP, the violent confrontation happened on Saturday as thousands of people held a demonstration in central Rome against the government’s austerity measures and high unemployment.

Protesters accused the government of imposing EU directives without concern for their impact on the people.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned again about the high level of youth unemployment in Italy, calling for urgent reform of the country’s labor market.

On April 10, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said Italy must urgently reform its labor market with an eye to creating jobs for unemployed young people aged between 15 and 24.

With youth joblessness at over 42 percent, the highest level ever recorded since 1977, Italy is currently facing mounting pressure from the European Union (EU) and some highly influential financial institutions.