Thousands took to the streets of Rome on Saturday to protest the European Commission’s proposed rearmament plan, organized by Italy’s Five Star Movement. The demonstration, which began at Piazza Vittorio and marched through the historic Fori Imperiali, was fueled by widespread opposition to the plan, which calls for an 800-billion-euro investment in Europe’s military capabilities.
According to the Five Star Movement (M5S), the turnout for the protest exceeded expectations, with some estimates suggesting as many as 100,000 people attended. The rally came in response to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s rearmament proposal, which was approved by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, despite opposition from various political factions within Italy.
Former Prime Minister and M5S leader Giuseppe Conte opened the rally with a scathing critique of both the rearmament plan and Meloni’s leadership. “Today, we say a firm no to the squandering of 800 billion to rearm Europe—a folly,” Conte declared. “Giorgia Meloni approved this plan without any mandate. This is another failure of her government that will remain in history.” He accused Meloni of aligning too closely with Germany’s interests at the expense of Italy’s sovereignty, further deepening divisions within Europe.
The demonstration also attracted support from other political factions, including members of the Green-Left Alliance and the Democratic Party (PD). PD Senator Francesco Boccia expressed concerns over the right-wing government’s foreign policy, stating, “This is a piece of opposition to the right-wing government that has isolated us in Europe. The Meloni government has no strategy to handle tariffs, other than hoping to negotiate with Trump.”
Notably, PD Secretary Elly Schlein did not attend the protest, reportedly due to disagreements with some of the rally’s positions. The centrist parties Azione and Italia Viva were also absent from the event, highlighting divisions among Italy’s opposition parties.
On the stage in Via dei Fori Imperiali, M5S Vice-President Paola Taverna and former Chamber of Deputies President Roberto Fico emphasized the importance of resisting the proposed rearmament. “This is our square. It is the square of our identity and our pride,” Taverna said. “With democracy, we build peace. Today, we oppose the wicked policy of rearmament. It is throwing away the future of us all.”
Nicola Fratoianni of the Green-Left Alliance also spoke at the rally, expressing hope that the protest would spark broader opposition movements. “The time has come to change and turn the page,” Fratoianni said, advocating for a united front to challenge the government’s policies.
The protest drew sharp criticism from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who defended the rearmament plan. “I don’t understand what the M5S wants. They say they want peace, but Conte in government allocated more money for defense,” Tajani remarked. He argued that security is about protecting Italy’s borders and industries, and that strengthening defense capabilities is essential for national security, including cybersecurity.
Tajani’s remarks underscore the ongoing tension between Italy’s government and opposition, as debates over military spending and European defense policies continue to divide the political landscape. As the EU moves forward with its rearmament initiative, protests like Saturday’s in Rome are likely to remain a focal point of national and European political discourse.
