Thousands protest against Italy Prime Minister

ROME - Two weeks before regional elections across Italy, tens of thousands of protesters once again came out Saturday to protest Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and those allied to him.

Gathering at the Piazza del Popolo, protesters especially spoke out against an order that allowed members of Berlusconi’s party to appear on ballots even though they missed a filing deadline. Past protests have focused on Berlusconi’s interest in passing laws that would exempt him from some legal proceedings.

Pier Luigi Bersani, head of the largest opposition PD party, called for unity in the opposition to Berlusconi. “A different Italy is possible,” he exhorted.

Organisers estimated 200,000 people joined the protests. Police estimates - which tend to be lower - were not yet available. There were also gatherings in Bologna and Milan. The regional elections are set for March 28 and 29.