Italian police use tear gas to disperse anti-Renzi protests in Naples
Italian police forces have fired tear gas and water canon during clashes with a group of activists holding a protest rally against Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's visit to the southern port city of Naples.
More than 2,000 demonstrators took to the streets in Naples on Wednesday to express their resentment over the government’s redevelopment plans in a former industrial site of Italy's third-largest city, arguing that the local community has not been adequately consulted with and involved in the projects.
The protesters brandished a giant-sized model of the prime minister in the form of Pinocchio and chanted “Renzi go home” in Neapolitan dialect.
They also carried a sign with Renzi’s face on it, reading “Banished from Naples.” Another huge banner stated, “Napoli distrusts Renzi's government.”
Some of the protesters threw fireworks and stones at security forces, and tried to force police road blocks.
A number of foreign tourists were caught up in the imbroglio and 11 police officers sustained injuries. One was transferred to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The demonstration came at a time when Renzi is under enormous pressure following a scandal over alleged influence-peddling.
Phone-taped telephone conversations released by police have revealed that Italian Industry Minister Federica Guidi assured her business partner that the Renzi administration would pass legislation to help his company develop an oil field in southern Italian region of Basilicata.
Guidi had step down from her post on March 31 after her partner was put under investigation.
Moreover, the populist anti-establishment and Eurosceptic Five Star Movement has tabled a parliamentary motion of no-confidence in the entire government, which it says has been devised by industrial lobbies.
The motion, which will likely be put to vote next week, has little chance of being passed, but it will put Renzi and his government under pressure ahead of mayoral elections later in the spring.
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