By Prensa Latina,
Rome : Some 3,000 military engaged in police patrol duties at key Italian cities as part of the security project of Conservative President Silvio Berlusconi.
The measure, approved by the Interior and Defense Ministries, is rejected by the center left opposition and police unions,
Enforcement follows severe budget cuts to the Army and Police and involves detention if caught in the act, will provide six-month protection to embassies, monuments, illegal immigration centers and other “risk” areas.
Defense Minister Ignazio la Russa says the goal is to “eliminate fear”, improve security and enhance state involvement.
But Antonio Di Prieto, leader of Italia de los Valores Party, called the deployment a front, while the Democrat Party says Berlusconi tries to militarize the country and laugh at the people.
La Repubblica daily quotes the main Police unions that regard Army inclusion as non sense and an official turn of the screw while a larger budget to fight crime would spare military burden.