Thousands of people took to the streets across Italy on Friday for a national strike called by the country’s largest union to protest the government’s 2026 budget.
The strike comes as the budget is expected to be discussed next week and must be approved by the country’s parliament by the end of this year.
Italy’s CGIL union estimated that about 61% of all public and private sector workers participated in the strike.
“The majority of workers who run this country do not agree with this government’s budget and do not accept it,” CGIL head Maurizio Landini said at a rally in Florence.
“Today shows more clearly than ever that we need change,” he said.
The demonstration is the latest in a series of protests in Italy
The demonstrations were the latest in a string of protests that have taken place in Italy in recent months. Italians have taken to the streets to reject the government’s economic policies and its support for Israel.
The budget is being put forward by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing Brothers of Italy party.
Although Meloni’s party, which governs under a stable coalition, still tops opinion polls, some recent polls have shown a decline in the government’s popularity.
What is the problem with the budget?
CGIL, which represents 50 lakh workers, half of whom are pensioners, argues that the new budget will “degrade people’s living and working conditions.”
Along with other unions, CGIL has rejected the planned increase in defense spending. Unions are calling on the government to invest more in healthcare and education, as well as take measures to increase wages and pensions.
Meloni’s government has responded to the dissent by saying that the budget has been well received by financial markets and rating agencies, arguing that it strengthens Italy’s public finances, while reducing taxes for middle-income earners.
Meloni and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini reacted to the strike plan agreed last month by mocking the union for organizing the strike as usual on Friday, implying it was an excuse for a long weekend.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar