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Rome protesters call for job creation push

AFP
AFP - [email protected]
Rome protesters call for job creation push
Photo: Filippo Monteforte/AFP

Tens of thousands of people rallied in Rome on Saturday, calling on the government to do more to create new jobs and to boost the spending power of workers.

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The protest comes less than two months after Italy's new right-left coalition government came to power under Prime Minister Enrico Letta following a long-drawn political squabble on the back of February's inconclusive elections.

"There's no more time to lose. The unions consider it urgent that employment returns as a (top) priority on the political and economic agenda," a joint statement from the country's three main trade unions said.

"Investments, income redistribution and a recovery in consumption are vital to support our economy."

Italy's unemployment rate has ticked up to 12 percent, but for youths aged between 15-24, it has climbed up to a massive 40.5 percent.

The eurozone's third largest economy plunged into recession at the end of 2011, with debt creeping up to some 120 percent of gross domestic product.

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