Five Star Movement Leads Protest Opposing €800 Billion Defence Proposal Backed by Meloni and von der Leyen

Rome Sees Major Turnout Against European Defence Strategy

In a powerful demonstration of opposition to the European Commission's proposed €800 billion rearmament strategy, tens of thousands marched through Rome this weekend. Organized by the Five Star Movement (M5S), the protest drew crowds described by organizers as “beyond all expectations,” with internal estimates suggesting up to 100,000 participants.

The rally began at Piazza Vittorio and concluded at the historic Via dei Fori Imperiali, attracting a broad coalition of left-leaning opposition forces. The protest was not only a critique of European defence policy but also a pointed denunciation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, which has backed the rearmament plan.

Conte Condemns ‘Folly’ of EU Defence Spending

Leading the demonstration was M5S leader and former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who strongly opposed the rearmament plan backed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “Today we deliver a strong and clear ‘no’ to the squandering of €800 billion to rearm Europe—a folly,” Conte declared at the start of the march.

Conte further criticized Meloni’s support for the plan: “Giorgia Meloni approved Europe’s rearmament plan without any democratic mandate. This is another historic failure of her government.”

Emphasizing unity among opposition parties, Conte suggested the rally marked a critical step toward forming a credible political alternative. “This government has sold out Italy to the interests of Germany, further weakening European cohesion,” he said.

Broader Opposition Voices Join the Protest
 

Representatives from other opposition groups also took part. The Green–Left Alliance and members of the Democratic Party (PD) joined the march, including Francesco Boccia, leader of the PD senators.

“We’re here to oppose a government that has isolated Italy in Europe and has no strategy other than appealing to Trump’s goodwill,” Boccia said. While PD Secretary Elly Schlein did not attend, citing partial disagreement with the protest’s goals, her party’s presence was nonetheless visible. Centrist parties Azione and Italia Viva did not participate.

Speaking from the stage, M5S Vice-President Paola Taverna and former Chamber President Roberto Fico reiterated the party’s pacifist stance. “This is our square—our identity and our pride. Democracy builds peace, and today we stand against the destructive policy of rearmament,” said Fico.

Green-Left Alliance leader Nicola Fratoianni also called for continued mobilisation, while Angelo Bonelli urged a broader coalition for future actions. “The time has come to turn the page,” Bonelli stated.

Government Defends Rearmament as Security Measure

The protest drew sharp criticism from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who addressed the issue at his party’s National Council. “I don’t understand the Five Star Movement’s position. When Conte was in government, he increased defence spending,” Tajani noted.

He defended the rearmament initiative as a matter of national security. “Security isn’t about starting wars—it’s about defending our borders, our families, and our economy,” he said. Tajani emphasized the need for improved cybersecurity and modern defence infrastructure to protect Italian industries and citizens’ data.

As Italy’s political divisions deepen over the EU’s defence trajectory, the Rome protest has sparked a wider debate on national sovereignty, European solidarity, and the role of military investment in a changing geopolitical landscape.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more in-depth reporting on European policy debates, defence initiatives, and grassroots political movements across the EU.