Tens of thousands join pro-Europe rally in Rome, amid worries over rearmament
The initiative was backed by centre-left opposition parties in Italy.
Tens of thousands of Italians joined a pro-Europe rally in Rome’s city centre, waving blue European Union flags in a sign of support and unity as a European push for rearmament divides the country.
The initiative, supported by most of the centre-left opposition parties, despite their different positions, was launched by Italian journalist Michele Serra at the end of February, with an editorial in the Italian daily La Repubblica titled: “Let’s say something European.”
“I wanted to organise a large demonstration of citizens supporting Europe, its unity and its freedom, with no party flags, only European flags,” Mr Serra said, launching the slogan: “Here we make Europe, or we die.”
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has reluctantly backed an EU plan to rearm Europe over concerns that the proposal by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen might weigh on Italy’s giant debt, diverting much-needed funds to weapons spending.
The EU plan aims to generate around 800 billion euro over the next four years, the bulk of which will come from member states increasing their national spending on defence and security.
Internally, Ms Meloni openly criticised the project, rejecting the term “rearm” as misleading and encouraged European partners to focus instead on common defence and security.
“We are here to defend freedom and democracy,” said Daniela Condotto, one of the demonstrators.
“These are concepts that we got used to over 80 years, but in reality they need to be defended, we cannot take them as a given.”
Right-wing government parties snubbed the demonstration, standing behind Ms Meloni, who has been struggling in her attempt to play a mediating role between Mr Trump and the EU.
“There must be support for Europe, but with concrete reforms, not symbolic events,” said Antonio Tajani, foreign minister and vice premier ahead of Saturday’s rally.
Vice premier Matteo Salvini, leader of the Eurosceptic League’s party, was openly critical.
“While some people demonstrate with flags, we work to change this Europe, which crushes workers, farmers and entrepreneurs with its absurd rules,” he said.
