On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Rome witnessed a significant demonstration against rearmament, organized by the Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S). The rally began at 1:00 PM in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, culminating at the Imperial Forums where a stage was set for speeches from various political and civil society figures.
The event drew a substantial crowd, with M5S sources reporting over 80,000 participants, a number they believe could exceed 100,000 by the time the procession reached its final destination. The atmosphere was charged with slogans such as "No to rearmament" and "More health, less weapons," as demonstrators carried flags representing both the M5S and the peace movement.
Giuseppe Conte, the leader of the M5S and former Prime Minister, addressed the crowd, stating, "Today comes a strong and clear no to the waste of 800 billion to rearm Europe, a madness." He emphasized the need for a shift in focus towards peace and social welfare, saying, "We do not want a rearmament plan that throws 800 billion and brings Europe into a war economy."
Conte's remarks resonated with many in attendance, as speakers from various backgrounds took to the stage to voice their opposition to military spending. Among them were historian Alessandro Barbero, economist Jeffrey Sachs, and environmental activist Giuseppe Onufrio from Greenpeace.
Alessandra Todde, the President of the Sardinia Region, also spoke passionately against the rearmament policy, stating, "This square is to say that we are not using cohesion funds for weapons." Her sentiment was echoed by many who believe that the government should prioritize health and social services over military expenditures.
Despite the significant turnout, the event was not without its controversies. Elly Schlein, the secretary of the Partito Democratico (PD), did not attend personally but sent a delegation, acknowledging the differences between the two parties while highlighting their common ground against rearmament. "We are stubbornly united," Schlein remarked, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among opposition parties.
Francesco Boccia, the PD's Senate group leader, expressed a desire to work with the M5S to unseat the current government led by Giorgia Meloni, stating, "Some things divide us from the M5S but others unite us. We are in agreement on the criticism of the rush to rearm the 27 states and the proposals of the Commission that point in this direction."
While the M5S and PD found common ground on the issue of military spending, other political figures criticized the demonstration. Matteo Salvini, leader of the Lega party, positioned his party as advocates for peace but distanced himself from the left-wing rhetoric of the protest, asserting that their congress was focused on constructive solutions rather than protests with red flags.
Giorgio Mule, a member of Forza Italia, was critical of the M5S demonstration, suggesting that their stance could lead to abandoning Ukraine in its time of need. He stated, "We cannot leave Ukraine to its fate; we cannot surrender to a peace at any cost that ignores the realities of aggression."
As the procession made its way through the streets of Rome, chants against Meloni and other political leaders echoed among the crowd. Slogans like "Meloni, Crosetto, take off your helmet" and "Meloni-Calenda, one agenda" reflected the frustration of many protesters towards the current government's defense policies.
Roberto Fico, former President of the Chamber of Deputies, remarked from the stage, "Being here means resisting and building. This is our square, the square of our identity and pride." His words captured the spirit of the gathering, which aimed not only to protest but also to unite various factions of the left against the backdrop of rising military expenditures in Europe.
The M5S has positioned this demonstration as a pivotal moment for the party, especially after their disappointing performance in the recent European elections where they fell below 10% for the first time. The rally served as a platform to reinvigorate their base and demonstrate their continued relevance in Italian politics.
As the day progressed, the procession continued to grow, with reports of hundreds of Sardinians arriving in support of the cause. Many participants expressed their discontent with the government's priorities, calling for a focus on healthcare and social justice rather than military spending.
In a broader context, the demonstration reflects a growing sentiment across Europe regarding military expenditures and the need for a more peaceful approach to international relations. The M5S's rally against rearmament is part of a larger discourse on how governments allocate resources in times of economic uncertainty.
With the backdrop of ongoing conflicts and the strain on social services, the M5S aims to position itself as a champion of peace and social equity, challenging the prevailing narrative that prioritizes military readiness over civilian welfare.
The rally concluded with a sense of solidarity among the participants, many of whom hope that their voices will resonate in the halls of power and lead to a shift in policy that reflects their demands for peace and social justice.
