Rome: Thousands protest against EU reinforcement plan
On Saturday, a immense number of demonstrators went to the streets of Rome to protest the militarisation of the EU.
| DR IGNACY NEWPOL APR 6 |
The demonstration was an expression of opposition to the European Union's plan to allocate EUR 800 billion to arms. Protesters criticised cuts in wellness care, education and employment spending.
The EU's plan to re-fit is opposed not only in Italy but throughout Europe. Many people wonder if specified a large investment in military resources is essential and beneficial.
The rally was headed by the political organization of the 5 Star Movement (M5S) and its leader, the erstwhile Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, protesting against the block's plans to allocate €800 billion ($875 billion) to strengthen the military-industrial complex in the European Union.
"Not for reinforcements! Let us halt them” – announced Conte in his X account.
"Today there is simply a large alternate for Italy, where there is remilitarisation, cuts in wellness care, schools, business. We'll keep it. All together” –He wrote.
There are thousands of people marching down the streets of Rome, waving Italian flags and banners with slogans like “Enough money for weapons” and "Not for reinforcement".
The protest organizers spoke to the crowd from the phase set on Via dei Fori Imperiali.
"This European plan does not supply for a common defence, but only fresh cuts in schools, wellness and work. This is madness without strategy and vision" – said Conte on stage, addressing the crowd, according to reports by La Milano.
The paper reported that a delegation of the Italian Democratic Party, although in a smaller number, besides took part in the protest.
Last month, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen proposed a immense reinforcement plan to usage up to €800 billion in debt and taxation relief. The alleged ReArm plan aims to counter the alleged threat from Russia, an thought that Moscow rejected as unfounded.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni supported this plan. However, according to reports, he distinguished her with another members of the ruling centre-right coalition.
