Tear Gas Meets Teen Spirit: Thousands Hit Italian Streets Under Heavy Police Guard

Thousands of <b>students and workers</b> took to the streets across Italy in massive protests, facing heavy security deployment and minor clashes.<br><br>Because nothing says 'democracy at work' quite like greeting your own citizens with riot gear and heavy barricades right from the get-go. Nothing like a little morning tear gas to remind the public who's really in charge.<br><br>These widespread demonstrations highlight growing civil unrest and friction between citizens and authorities across multiple Italian cities.