Who is challenging the EU’s €800B defense plan? Giuseppe Conte rallies thousands in Rome, calling for peace, not war. Italians demand funds for welfare.
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Who Is Challenging the EU’s €800 Billion Rearmament Plan?
Thousands of voices echoed through Rome on April 5, 2025, as citizens asked a powerful question: Who is brave enough to stand against the European Union’s rearmament plan?
The answer came loud and clear—Giuseppe Conte, former Prime Minister and leader of the Five Star Movement (M5S) led a massive protest against the EU’s proposed €800 billion defense initiative.
Who Are the Voices Behind the Protest in Rome?
The protest began in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and surged through Rome’s historic streets to Via dei Fori Imperiali, painting the city in rainbow peace flags and banners reading:
“No to rearmament. Let us stop them.”
With nearly 100,000 demonstrators in attendance, the message was undeniable: Europe needs unity, peace, and public investment—not weapons.
Giuseppe Conte took the stage passionately, denouncing the defense plan championed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“We do not want a rearmament plan that wastes €800 billion and drags Europe into militarization,” he declared.
Instead, he urged Europe to “build roads to peace”—not tanks.
Who Else Joined the Movement Against Militarization?
Conte was not alone.
The protest united progressive leaders like Nicola Fratoianni and Angelo Bonelli from the Green and Left Alliance, who echoed similar concerns.
“The global crisis demands diplomacy, not escalation,” Fratoianni told the crowd.
Even members of the Democratic Party (PD) showed up, though PD leader Elly Schlein was notably absent, highlighting internal tensions over the EU’s military direction.
Who Are Protesters Fighting For?
At the heart of this movement is a powerful belief:
“We need hospitals, not missiles.”
Protesters say Italy’s resources should go toward healthcare, education, and economic recovery, not war.
Their chants targeted Italian leaders, especially Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, with the pointed phrase:
“Meloni and Crosetto, take off your helmets!”
The sentiment is echoed on social media, where polls reveal that 62% of Italians oppose the EU defense plan.
Backed by respected groups like Greenpeace and the National Partisans Association, this growing movement demands a rethink of Europe’s priorities.
Who Supports the €800 Billion Defense Push—and Why?
The EU’s rebranded “Readiness 2030” plan—previously known as “ReArm Europe”—aims to boost military readiness across the continent.
However, critics argue that it is a massive militarization effort dressed up in softer language.
Supporters claim it is necessary for Europe’s defense in an unstable world, but the counter-argument is growing stronger by the day:
Why choose weapons over welfare?
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani dismissed the protest as out of sync with national interests, yet there is hesitation even within Prime Minister Meloni’s camp.
Meloni has voiced conflicting views, reflecting pressure from her coalition and the rising public opposition.
Who Will Decide Italy’s Future—Politicians or the People?
As the EU moves forward with its ambitious defense plans, one thing is sure:
Italy’s citizens are not staying silent.
This protest could spark a Europe-wide movement, especially in countries like Spain and France, where similar anti-militarization sentiments are brewing.
Italy is also grappling with spring festivities, economic concerns, and migration debates, and this protest adds a bold new chapter to the country’s ongoing political transformation.
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