Thousands Rally in Rome to Protest Against EU Rearmament
In Rome on Saturday, thousands gathered to protest the militarization of the European Union, with the demonstration organized by the Five Star Movement and led by former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. This rally opposed the bloc’s initiative...
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In Rome on Saturday, thousands gathered to protest the militarization of the European Union, with the demonstration organized by the Five Star Movement and led by former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. This rally opposed the bloc’s initiative to allocate up to €800 billion to enhance the military industrial complex within the EU.
Conte expressed his opposition via social media, stating, “No to rearmament! Let’s stop them.” He also declared, “Today a great alternative to the Italy of rearmament, of cuts to healthcare, schools, businesses is born. We will stop them. All together.”
Footage shared by Conte showcased a large crowd marching through Rome's streets, brandishing Italian flags and banners that read “Enough money for weapons” and “No to rearmament.”
The protesters were addressed from a stage on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, where Conte criticized the European plan, saying, “This European plan does not envisage a common defense, but only new cuts in school, health, and work. It’s madness without strategy and vision,” as reported by La Milano.
Additionally, the protest saw participation from a delegation of the Italian Democratic Party, though they were outnumbered.
Last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a significant rearmament strategy that includes up to €800 billion in debt and tax incentives. The plan, dubbed the ReArm initiative, aims to address an alleged threat from Russia, which Moscow has labeled unfounded.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has voiced her support for this plan, though it has reportedly created tensions within her ruling center-right coalition.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
Conte expressed his opposition via social media, stating, “No to rearmament! Let’s stop them.” He also declared, “Today a great alternative to the Italy of rearmament, of cuts to healthcare, schools, businesses is born. We will stop them. All together.”
Footage shared by Conte showcased a large crowd marching through Rome's streets, brandishing Italian flags and banners that read “Enough money for weapons” and “No to rearmament.”
The protesters were addressed from a stage on the Via dei Fori Imperiali, where Conte criticized the European plan, saying, “This European plan does not envisage a common defense, but only new cuts in school, health, and work. It’s madness without strategy and vision,” as reported by La Milano.
Additionally, the protest saw participation from a delegation of the Italian Democratic Party, though they were outnumbered.
Last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a significant rearmament strategy that includes up to €800 billion in debt and tax incentives. The plan, dubbed the ReArm initiative, aims to address an alleged threat from Russia, which Moscow has labeled unfounded.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has voiced her support for this plan, though it has reportedly created tensions within her ruling center-right coalition.
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
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