Several thousand people protested in front of Rome City Hall on Saturday to denounce the ragged state of the Italian capital, where roads are potholed, garbage often goes uncollected and wild boars roam the streets.

Critics say the city has been in decline for years and accuse Mayor Virginia Raggi, who took office in 2016, of failing to fulfill campaign promises to clean up the mess.

"We're here because Rome deserves better, because Rome is in a state of neglect the like of which has never been seen before," said Marita Monaco, 57, who took part in the protest in a Renaissance square designed by Michelangelo.