Italy's Big Protest: Workers Stand Up to Budget Cuts
Workers Protest Against Prime Minister Meloni's 2026 Budget
In Italy, a massive strike shook the nation as workers voiced their discontent with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's 2026 budget. The CGIL, Italy's largest trade union, led the charge, claiming that over half of the workforce, both public and private, joined the strike. Major cities saw huge crowds, with more than 500,000 people marching in the streets.
Major Disruptions Across the Nation
The strike caused major disruptions:
- Trains ran late
- Schools closed
- Public services slowed down
The CGIL, with 5 million members, many of whom are retirees, made it clear that they are not happy with the budget. Their leader, Maurizio Landini, spoke out at a rally in Florence, saying that the workers who keep Italy running are not on board with the government's plans.
The Core Issue: Budget Priorities
The main issue? The budget plans to boost defense spending while cutting back on healthcare, education, and support for salaries and pensions. The unions argue that this is not the way to go. They want more investment in these areas to help regular people.
Government vs. Unions: A Clash of Perspectives
But the government sees it differently. They believe the budget will:
- Make Italy's finances stronger
- Lower taxes for middle-income earners
Financial markets and ratings agencies seem to agree, as they have given the budget a thumbs up.
A History of Protests
This isn't the first time workers have taken to the streets. There have been many protests recently against the government's economic policies and their support for Israel. Despite this, Meloni's right-wing party is still leading in the polls, and her coalition remains strong.
Shifting Public Opinion
However, recent surveys show:
- A slight drop in the government's popularity
- A small rise in support for the center-left opposition
The next election is still a few years away, but the protests show that not everyone is happy with the current direction.
