Naples, Italy (Alliance News) – Thousands of anti-austerity protesters took to the streets of Naples Thursday as the European Central Bank (ECB) convened in the city to discuss how to avert looming deflation in the eurozone.
“No to the ECB, no to austerity – housing and income for all,” was the slogan of the march organized by left-wing groups that attracted protesters including students, laid off workers and squatters.
“They are coming to the South to ‘celebrate’ the social disaster that they have created,” the organizing committee said on a Facebook page with the title Block BCE! Jatevenne! (Block the ECB! Go Away!).
Protesters, who urged riot gear police to take off their helmets and join the demonstration, marched up to the hill of the Palace of Capodimonte, the heavily-guarded former royal residence and museum that was hosting the ECB talks.
One was detained by police after he tried to climb over the wall of the palace with a “No to the ECB” banner. Others were pushed back with water cannon, while a few firecrackers went off.