Italian Pasta Protest: A Response to Rising Food Prices in Europe

Italians are calling for a weeklong national pasta strike starting June 22 after the cost of the staple of every Italian table soared by twice the rate of inflation. Grocery prices have risen more sharply in Europe than in other advanced economies, driven by higher energy and labor costs and the impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Some governments in Europe have capped prices on staples or pushed for agreements with grocery stores to bring down costs, something that’s popular with the public but can actually make food prices worse.