Thousands of Italians marched through Rome on Saturday to protest the European Union’s proposed rearmament strategy. Organized by the Five Star Movement (M5S), the rally began at Piazza Vittorio and moved toward the Fori Imperiali. Protest organizers reported a massive turnout, with estimates suggesting up to 100,000 participants. Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte led the demonstration, strongly opposing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s approval of the EU’s plan. Conte criticized the €800 billion allocation for weapons, arguing that Meloni acted without a democratic mandate.
Protest Leadership and Opposition to Meloni’s Government
Giuseppe Conte, the leader of M5S, addressed the crowd, condemning the EU rearmament proposal backed by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Conte specifically targeted Meloni’s decision to support the plan, accusing her of aligning Italy with Germany and undermining European unity. He stressed that such a decision jeopardizes Italy’s interests and security.
Conte also welcomed support from other opposition groups, calling it a significant step toward creating a viable alternative government. Members of the Green-Left Alliance and the Democratic Party joined the protest, signaling a broad coalition against Meloni’s right-wing leadership.
Francesco Boccia, leader of the Democratic senators, criticized the Meloni-Salvini coalition for isolating Italy within the EU. He called for unified opposition to remove Meloni’s government and restore Italy’s strategic credibility on the European stage.
In addition to Conte, former Chamber President Roberto Fico and M5S Vice-President Paola Taverna spoke passionately to the crowd. Taverna emphasized that the rally was a symbol of Italy’s resistance to militarization. “This is a movement for peace,” she declared.
Nicola Fratoianni, a key member of the Green-Left Alliance, echoed these sentiments, focusing on the importance of pacifism. He called for future joint mobilizations to build a more peaceful Europe. Angelo Bonelli, another opposition leader, urged a broader collaboration among various political movements to push for lasting change in Italy’s defense policies.
Government Responds: Defending National Security Priorities
In response to the protest, Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani sharply criticized the demonstrators during a speech at the National Council of his party. Tajani accused M5S of hypocrisy, reminding the public that Conte himself had supported military spending while in power. He defended the government’s current position, emphasizing that national security encompasses more than just military spending.
Tajani highlighted the importance of securing Italy’s borders, families, and industries, stressing that the country’s defense strategy must address modern security challenges, including cybersecurity and infrastructure protection. He argued that ensuring the safety and sovereignty of Italy’s citizens requires robust defense mechanisms.
“Tackling both physical and digital threats is critical to safeguarding our nation,” Tajani stated, urging protesters to reconsider their stance on defense spending.
The Future of Italy’s Role in European Defense
As the protest unfolded, the debate over Italy’s role in European defense and the broader geopolitical landscape intensified. For many of the protesters, the demonstration was not only a stand against militarization but also a call for a shift in Italy’s priorities on the European stage.
While opposition leaders focus on maintaining peace and resisting militarization, the Italian government under Meloni’s leadership defends its strategy, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding national interests in an increasingly volatile world.
With Italy’s defense policy and its relationship with the European Union at a crossroads, it remains to be seen how the political discourse will evolve in the coming months. As both sides dig in their heels, the question of how best to balance security and peace remains at the heart of Italy’s political debate.