Organised by the metalworkers' union FIOM and the CGIL union, Saturday's peaceful march and rally drew supporters from across the country.

BBC: Italy coalition: Thousands rally in Rome against cuts

At a long-shuttered plant near Turin that Fiat has bought from another carmaker, 89% of the idled workers voted for the changes despite Fiom-Cgil's strong presence.

ECONOMIST: Italy worries that its biggest manufacturer may leave

Maurizio Landini, secretary-general of Fiom-Cgil, a metalworkers' union which has fought hard against Fiat's new working conditions, says his main fear is that Fabbrica Italia only exists on paper.

ECONOMIST: Italy worries that its biggest manufacturer may leave