Italy has been brought to a standstill by a general strike against attacks on pensions and the welfare state.
On October 14th millions took to the streets in all the major cities. The demonstrations are the culmination of weeks of rolling stoppages.
The mobilisation breaks two years of union leaders' quiescence at government attacks. The mass anger has united all three union federations in action against the budget proposals. This is a big step forward.
Berlusconi is demanding L50,000bn (£20bn) in cuts. His government is targeting those least able to fight back to pay for Italian capitalism's crisis while offering tax amnesties to business.
Cutting pensions is the centrepiece of the offensive. Also threatened is the closure of small hospitals, extending people's working lives, penalising early retirement and ending free prescriptions.
The strikes are bigger than previous protests against austerity. Although only a four hour stoppage was called many struck for the whole day. seems the government will be forced to reopen negotiations after breaking them off three weeks ago.
Unstable
The right wing regime is looking increasingly unstable. As well as corruption charges getting closer and closer to Berlusconi his governmental alliance of neo-fascists, Northern League separatists and Thatcher style populists is showing signs of breakdown.
It is unlikely to survive a winter of concerted action in defence of the welfare state.
Only media workers went to work. They had their action earlier in the week so that they could provide full coverage on the day of the general strike.
As well as demanding pay increases transport workers have called for attention to be paid to the environment and for more involvement of workers in planning transport.
In the countryside protests have been held against increases in land rent. The price rises are designed to drive out the inhabitants so the money On the warpath: Italian pensioners will not give up without a fight makers of the tourist industry can move in. All banks shut and rail and air services barely operative. The strikes and demonstrations are set to continue.