Five Star Movement leads over 100,000 people in rally against military spending

Tens of thousands of people filled the streets of Rome on Saturday to speak out against the European Union’s proposed €800 billion rearmament plan. The protest was led by Italy’s Five Star Movement and drew support from other opposition parties, civil groups, and peace activists.

The march began in Piazza Vittorio and stretched across the famous Via dei Fori Imperiali. Protesters carried signs, banners, and chanted slogans calling for peace and a halt to military investments. Many waved Italian flags and wore shirts with anti-war messages.

Organisers said more than 100,000 people joined the protest, far more than expected. The crowd included people of all ages, from young students to elderly citizens. The event stayed peaceful, with strong police presence ensuring safety and order.

Conte Leads with Strong Words

Giuseppe Conte, the leader of the Five Star Movement and former Prime Minister, opened the rally with a fiery speech. He took direct aim at Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the EU plan, which is backed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“We say no to 800 billion euros wasted on weapons,” Conte told the crowd. “That money should go to schools, hospitals, and clean energy. Instead, it is being used to divide Europe and destroy peace.”

Conte accused Meloni of agreeing to the plan without approval from the Italian Parliament or the public. He said this was a betrayal of Italian values and interests.

“Rearmament is not the answer to our problems. It is a dangerous move that will only lead to more tension across Europe,” Conte said.

Opposition Unites Against Government

Leaders from other opposition groups joined the Five Star Movement in the protest. Among them were members of the Green-Left Alliance and the Democratic Party.

Francesco Boccia, a Democratic senator, marched with the crowd and gave a speech criticising the government’s lack of a clear plan.

“The Meloni government is isolating Italy in Europe. They have no plan to deal with global trade issues or economic pressures,” Boccia said. “We need leadership that defends our future, not one that begs favours from Trump or builds a Europe based on fear.”

Nicola Fratoianni from the Green-Left Alliance also spoke, calling the rally a turning point.

“This is not just a protest. It is the start of a new movement that brings people together for peace, democracy, and social justice,” he said.

Angelo Bonelli, another Green-Left leader, urged the public to stay involved.

“We must keep building this movement. Now is the time for real change. Italy can lead the way in showing Europe that there is a better path,” he said.

Powerful Speeches from the Stage

On the main stage, several well-known figures spoke to the massive crowd. Roberto Fico, the former President of the Chamber of Deputies, said the protest showed the real spirit of Italy.

“This square is full of pride and identity. True peace comes from democracy and justice, not tanks and bombs,” Fico declared.

Paola Taverna, Vice-President of the Five Star Movement, thanked those who joined the protest.

“You have made history today. You showed that Italians care about peace and have the courage to stand up for it,” she said.

Government Pushes Back

In response, government officials held a separate event at the Palazzo dei Congressi. Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani defended the EU defence plan and said the protestors were being unrealistic.

“I don’t understand the Five Star Movement. When Conte was in power, he raised defence spending himself,” Tajani said.

He explained that national security means protecting families, jobs, and the country’s future.

“Security is not about starting wars. It’s about defending our way of life, our industries, and our borders. We cannot ignore threats like cyberattacks and industrial spying,” he added.

Tajani warned that the world has changed, and Europe must adapt. He said modern defence also includes stronger digital systems and safe infrastructure.

The Bigger Picture

The EU’s €800 billion defence plan aims to boost the arms industry and improve security across member states. It is being pushed as a response to growing global tensions and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

However, critics argue that such spending could harm social programs and increase conflict. They want more focus on diplomacy, climate change, and economic recovery.

Italy’s role in this plan has stirred debate, especially with Meloni’s strong support for von der Leyen’s leadership. Many see the protest as the start of a broader pushback against her government.

With European elections around the corner, the message from Rome may echo beyond Italy’s borders.