Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Italy on Friday to protest rising living costs and the state of public services, CNN and NBC News report. CNN says marches took place in more than 50 cities. Farmers dumped manure on the streets of Turin, the outlet says.

The nationwide action was led by the trade union Unione Sindacale di Base, the outlets report. The biggest rallies were in Rome, Milan and Turin, CNN says. Many protesters aimed their anger at Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing government. Others carried Palestinian flags or signs against military spending.

The marches were largely peaceful, CNN and NBC News report. But an NBC News crew saw police use a water cannon and charge at protesters in Rome on Friday night. Italy's Interior Ministry said some people were arrested ahead of the marches to prevent violence, CNN reports.

Transport workers dropped plans to strike after Transport Minister Matteo Salvini threatened the sector with penalties, CNN says.

"They have no money for their houses, they have no money for gasoline and everything," protester Giovanna Di Matteo said, NBC News reports. A 20-year-old medical student said wages "do not keep up with the cost of living."

Some earlier protests in Italy turned violent, with looting in Milan, NBC News reports. Meloni's government has brought in tougher penalties for rioters. It also said it would send 500 army troops to work with police in Milan until the end of the year, NBC News says. Similar protests have spread across Europe in recent weeks, the outlets report.

What we know: Large, mostly peaceful protests over living costs took place across Italy on Friday.
What we don't: How many people were arrested, or whether more strikes are planned.