The protest came just a few days after Berlusconi survived a confidence vote in Parliament.
The premier has seen his approval rating plunge amid a breakup with a longtime ally, corruption scandals that have engulfed his allies and lingering economy woes.
On Saturday, people gathered under banners saying “Let’s Fire Him!” and “Italy Wake Up!” The latest “No-B Day” protest was organized by The Purple People, a citizen movement that mobilizes on the Internet. Some dressed in the movement’s trademark purple color or wore purple wigs, others chanted “Berlusconi, resignation!” The Purple People organized a massive protest in December that put them on the political map.
Berlusconi is midway through his five-year term, which ends in 2013.
This summer, the premier split with longtime lieutenant Gianfranco Fini, a charismatic right-wing leader, after months of feuding over the government’s program and the balance of power in the party the two co-founded.
Even if Berlusconi survived the confidence vote this week, his majority in the lower house depends on breakaway lawmakers loyal to Fini, making the long-term stability of the government uncertain.
Fini has pledged support for the government as long as it sticks to the electoral platform that returned the conservatives to power in 2008, but has also warned that his support would not be unconditional.
Berlusconi insisted Saturday that his government would last its full term and carry out the electoral program, including reforms in the justice and fiscal systems.
