Thousands of people took to the streets of Rome on Saturday in response to the Five Star Movement’s call to protest the European Union’s rearmament plan.
"Numbers far exceeding our predictions," remarked the organizers of the protest, which started at Piazza Vittorio and proceeded towards the Fori Imperiali. Sources from the Five Star Movement suggest that turnout might hit as high as 100,000 participants.
Starting the parade, Five Star Movement chief and ex-Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte lambasted Giorgia Meloni’s administration and the military expansion strategy put forth by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Content: 'A decisive rejection of the $800 billion for arming Europe.'
Today marks a firm and unequivocal rejection of wasting 800 billion euros on arming Europe, which would be absurd," Conte stated, adding, "Giorgia Meloni endorsed the European rearmament initiative without authorization, making this yet another blunder by her administration destined for historical record.
"I'm pleased that key opposition groups have joined us today as we lay down a strong foundation for building an alternate government. The Meloni administration has prioritized German interests over those of Italy, pushing forward with a plan that could lead to further fragmentation within Europe—a clear setback for her leadership." Today’s rally saw participation from members of the Green-Left Alliance along with representatives from the Democratic Party, such as Senate Leader Francesco Boccia.
"We have gathered here today as part of an effort against the right-wing administration that has distanced Italy from European cooperation. This government lacks a strategic approach to address the imposed tariffs and merely hopes to appeal directly to President Trump for relief," stated Boccia. He added, "Together with various opposition groups, our aim is to return power back into different hands—specifically those not held by Giorgia Meloni and Salvini." It was noted that PD leader Elly Schlein chose not to participate due to her reservations about fully endorsing every aspect discussed at the event. Similarly absent were representatives from center-leaning factions such as Azione and Italia Viva.
Onstage at Via dei Fori Imperiali, alongside Deputy Leader Paola Taverna from the Five Star Movement and Former Speaker Roberto Fico stood prominent figures voicing their thoughts: "We stand united in this space which embodies who we are as a people—our heritage and dignity. Through democratic principles, we foster harmony. Yet today, we confront an aggressive stance towards armaments with firm opposition; for it signifies squandering everyone’s prospects for progress. Our presence here symbolizes defiance against such policies and underscores our commitment to forging ahead."
"We strongly advocate for peace, and being present here is part of our effort to establish an alternative to governmental control," stated Nicola Fratoianni from the Green-Left Alliance. "My wish is that soon we will have an initiative, a collective mobilization where everyone unites their efforts, as it’s now time to bring about change and move forward," commented Angelo Bonelli.
Tajani: 'Security involves protecting our boundaries.'
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani criticized the demonstration, stating during his concluding remarks at the party’s National Council meeting in Rome: "I fail to comprehend what M5S desires; they advocate for peace yet with Conte as prime minister, defense funding has increased." The event was taking place at the Palazzo dei Congressi in Rome.
I want everyone participating in the demonstration today," Tajani stated, "to understand that enhancing citizen safety is a duty that politics owes to the nation. After all, security isn’t about preparing weapons for unspecified conflicts. Instead, it involves protecting our borders, safeguarding our families, maintaining the national integrity of Italy, securing our economic interests, and defending our industrial sectors.
“We can’t permit the theft of industrial secrets, the pilfering of industrial data, or the appropriation of personal information. This falls under cybersecurity as well, which entails developing more effective and up-to-date infrastructures,” the minister stated at the conclusion.