Thousands of people marched in central Rome on Saturday. They came to protest the European Union’s new military plan. The rally was led by the Five Star Movement. It started at Piazza Vittorio and ended at Via dei Fori Imperiali.
People held flags and signs. Many called the €800 billion defence plan a step toward war. The plan includes new weapons and more troops across Europe. Protesters said this would not bring peace but increase risks.
Organisers said the number of people at the protest was more than they expected. They claimed that as many as 100,000 people showed up. The square was full of people shouting slogans for peace.
Giuseppe Conte Leads the Rally
Giuseppe Conte, head of the Five Star Movement and former prime minister, gave the first speech. He strongly attacked the plan. He also blamed current Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Conte said Meloni agreed to the EU plan without asking the Italian parliament. He called it a “historic failure.” He claimed Meloni was helping Germany and other EU powers more than her own country.
Conte said he wants to build a group of parties to stop Meloni’s plans. He hopes to replace her with leaders who want peace. “We need a different path,” he said. “One that puts people first, not weapons.”
Support from Other Parties
Conte was not the only speaker at the protest. Francesco Boccia from the Democratic Party spoke too. He said Meloni’s team is weak and not ready to face the world’s problems.
Leaders from the Green-Left, like Nicola Fratoianni and Angelo Bonelli, also joined. They said the EU plan was a mistake. They believe the money should go to schools, hospitals, and jobs, not the military.
On stage, Five Star members Paola Taverna and Roberto Fico were loud in their views. Taverna said, “This square is our space. It stands for peace and people.” Fico said war spending would hurt Italy and make it less safe.
Voices from the Crowd
People in the crowd were from all walks of life. Some were students. Others were workers and parents. Many said they feared a return to war in Europe.
“I came because I want peace,” said Luisa, a student from Rome. “My family has lived through war. I don’t want that again.”
Others held signs that said, “No to War” and “Yes to Peace and Bread.” One group wore white shirts and handed out leaflets about the cost of tanks and fighter jets.
Government Responds to Protest
While the protest was going on, Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani was speaking at a party event. He dismissed the rally. He said the protesters were wrong.
Tajani said Conte was not being honest. “He raised defence spending when he was prime minister,” he said. “Now he pretends to be against it.”
Tajani defended the government’s plan. He said more spending on defence is needed. He talked about keeping families safe and protecting businesses. “We live in a time of cyber threats,” he said. “We must protect our country.”
He said defence is not just about war. It is also about safety at home, online, and at the borders. He said Italy needs better tools and strong forces to deal with new threats.
What Comes Next?
The protest may mark a new chapter in Italian politics. Conte and his allies want to stop the EU plan. They are trying to build a strong group of opposition parties.
So far, the government shows no sign of changing its mind. But with elections coming next year, the mood in the streets could shape what happens next.
More rallies may follow. The Five Star Movement said it will take its message to more cities. “We want people to have a voice,” said one speaker. “This is just the start.”