by Maximiliano Crocamo
Friuli Venezia Giulia Governor Massimiliano Fedriga has called for firm measures against violence during recent protests in Italy, while urging institutions to listen to peaceful demonstrators and address their concerns.
In an interview on Oct. 22, Fedriga said vandalism should not be portrayed as an expression of youth discontent, stressing the need to distinguish between peaceful protesters and those responsible for violence.
He said demonstrations had raised issues including the cost of living, housing and the war in Palestine, but argued that protesters should put forward concrete demands that institutions could address.
Fedriga also highlighted the economic pressures facing the middle class in Italy and across the West, calling for dialogue among institutions, businesses and trade unions to balance wages, taxation and productivity.
Addressing protests by road hauliers and farmers over fuel prices, he said authorities should distinguish between legitimate economic grievances and those seeking to exploit them.
