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Spain, Italy protests

Thousands of teachers and healthcare professionals have taken to the streets in the Spanish capital Madrid, demanding better pay and working conditions. The protesters were holding signs and chanting slogans, demanding a 35-hour working week, among other things. Tens of thousands of medical employees and teachers were called to strike. The walkout was called by unions and institutions representing them. Meanwhile, similar demonstrations were also held in the Italian capital Rome where protesters took to the streets to demand better working conditions and a hike in salaries. They said soaring prices are biting hard. The protesters demanded an increase of 300 euros net per month in salaries, as well as a minimum wage of 10 euros per hour. They blamed government policies for the economic crisis gripping the country. Similar demonstrations took place in other Italian cities as well, disrupting local transportation as well as schools. Protests over worsening economic conditions have struck several European countries in recent months. Experts blame the inflation-fueled economy on the Ukraine war, which has pushed up energy prices.

Iran hits back at Ukraine

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman has denounced comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky against the Islamic Republic. Nasser Kan'ani said the rehash of baseless claims by Zelensky was in line with propaganda and media campaigns against Iran’s government and people. He said such remarks are aimed at drawing further financial and arms support from the West. Kan'ani added, Zelensky’s statements amounted to a political show and a blame game aimed at deflecting public attention. That was after Zelensky accused Iran of supplying Russia with drones to use in its war against Ukraine. He said Iran was "an accomplice" to Moscow’s acts of terror. Tehran has repeatedly rejected reports of drone delivery to Russia for use in Ukraine. Iran says it has maintained its principled policy on impartiality and opposition to the war.

China-US tension

The Chinese Foreign Ministry issues a statement about the country’s relations with the United States. It says Washington can expect cooperation from Beijing, provided that it no longer undermines China’s interests.  Mao Ning was responding to a question at a meeting between the Chinese Commerce minister and his American counterpart. The two ministers held talks in the US city of Detroit on Thursday as trade remains a bone of contention between the two big economies. In the meeting, the Chinese minister expressed concern about US trade policies. The American side also voiced concern over China’s actions against US companies. Beijing recently restricted purchases from the US chip giant, Micron. The move was in response to bans imposed by Washington on Beijing’s access to US advanced semiconductors. 

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