Thousands Protest in Rome Against EU’s €800 Billion Rearmament Plan

Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of central Rome on Saturday to protest the European Union’s expansive rearmament initiative, denouncing it as “madness” and demanding that funds be redirected to public services and peace efforts.

Organized by the opposition Five Star Movement (M5S), the protest sent a unified message against the EU’s proposed €800 billion defense boost. Participants marched from Piazza Vittorio to Via dei Fori Imperiali, holding banners that read, “No to rearmament. Let’s stop them.”

Former Italian Prime Minister and M5S leader Giuseppe Conte addressed the crowd, stating: “From this square comes a strong and clear message: we reject a rearmament plan that wastes 800 billion euros and shifts Europe toward a war economy.”

Conte emphasized the need for diplomatic dialogue with Russia and investment in essential sectors like education and healthcare, asserting, “The future of young people cannot lie in the armed forces.”

The demonstration drew support beyond M5S, with participation from the Green and Left Alliance, Greenpeace, and the National Partisans Association. Prominent figures including parliamentarians Nicola Fratoianni and Angelo Bonelli joined the rally.

Colorful peace flags filled the streets, and demonstrators loudly criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.

The Democratic Party (PD), Italy’s main opposition force, also had a presence at the protest, despite internal divisions over the EU defense plan. PD Senate spokesperson Francesco Boccia joined other lawmakers in solidarity, though party leader Elly Schlein did not attend.