Reply #18: The Austrian Press reports [View All]

The following is a brief, rough translation from a report on http://derstandard.at/:

Hundreds of thousands of protesters walked through the streets of the inner city (Piazza della Republica) of Rome behind a huge banner saying, "No war, no Bush." Among them were anti-globalisation people, members of left-oriented parties, Catholic movements, members of the strongest unions and environmentalists. One sign read, "Bush, Blair, history will punish you." Opposition political leaders participated, including the head of the leftist democratic party (I don't know the name of the party in Italian), Piero Fassino and the leader of the opponents of globalization, Vittorio Agnoletto.

The demonstrations were peaceful. The organizers tried to exclude anarchists and members of disruptive groups. Members of one of the unions yelled out slogans against the police.

Bush's visit is Berlusconi's most expensive campaign advertisement at the expense of the Italian people. The 10,000 police, etc. will cost about 40 million Euros, twice as much as Italy is spending on humanitarian relief for Iraq.

The protesters blocked some of the streets. Most residents of Rome kept away from the streets. For example, the subways registered 40% less traffic than normal.

If you want to see pictures, go to "Ansichtskarten" (post cards) at http://derstandard.at/.