Approximately 300 demonstrators
gathered outside Consob's Rome headquarters on Tuesday to
protest against a government measure to save four failed Italian
banks and the alleged failure of Italy's stock market watchdog
to provide due oversight.
Protesters shouted slogans such as "Thieves, thieves" and
brandished banners comparing the banks to Islamic State and
attacking Italy's oversight authorities.
The 3.6-billion euro rescue, financed by healthy Italian
banks, saved jobs and protected account holders, but left shares
and bonds in the four lenders worthless.
Many small savers lost money as a result and one, pensioner
Luigino D'Angelo, hung himself in November.
Tuesday's demonstration was organised by consumer groups
Adusbef and Federconsumatori and a committee investors who have
been affected.
The government has said small investors who were conned
about the risks of buying the bonds will get compensation, but
the savers are demanding full refunds of the money they have
lost.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
