Calabria protests erupt over rising fuel costs and agricultural crisis

Protests and roadblocks have erupted across Calabria as farmers and transport workers demonstrate against rising fuel costs and the ongoing agricultural crisis. The mobilization, titled ‘L’Italia scende in piazza’, has involved approximately 2,000 participants across various locations, including sit-ins at the Pizzo highway junction and presences in Crotone, Rosarno, and Davoli Marina.

Organizers, including the Movimento Popolare Nazionale, cite the high cost of diesel and the impact of international agreements like Mercosur as primary drivers of the economic hardship. Protesters are demanding concrete political responses to address the ‘economic bombs’ affecting their ability to remain competitive.

In response to the crisis, CNA Calabria has proposed a ‘Social Pact on Fuels’ to support small and medium-sized enterprises through measures such as fuel surcharges, tax credits, and liquidity support. Regional officials have met with demonstrators to discuss the situation, acknowledging the severe impact of international conflicts on local energy prices.