Introduction: A Stand Against Militarization
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, thousands flooded the streets of Rome to protest the European Union’s push toward militarization, specifically its €800 billion rearmament plan. Organized by the Five Star Movement (M5S) and led by former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, the demonstration voiced outrage over proposed cuts to healthcare, education, and labor in favor of military spending.
Huge numbers of demonstrators took to the streets of Rome on Saturday to protest the militarization of the EU.
The demonstration was against the European Union’s plan to spend €800 billion on military rearmament, with protestors criticising cuts to healthcare, education and labour.
The EU’s rearmament plan has opposition not only in Italy but across Europe, with many people questioning whether such a large investment in military resources is necessary or beneficial.
RT reports: The rally was led by the Five Star Movement (M5S) political party and its leader, former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, in protest at the bloc’s plan to use up to €800 billion ($875 billion) to boost the military industrial complex in the European Union.
“No to rearmament! Let’s stop them,” Conte announced on his X account.
“Today a great alternative to the Italy of rearmament, of cuts to healthcare, schools, businesses is born. We will stop them. All together,” he wrote.
In videos posted by the politician, a crowd of thousands of people could be seen marching through the streets of Rome, waving Italian flags and banners with slogans such as “Enough money for weapons” and “No to rearmament.”
The organizers of the protest addressed the crowd from a stage set up on the Via dei Fori Imperiali.
“This European plan does not envisage a common defense, but only new cuts in school, health, and work. It’s madness without strategy and vision,” Conte said on stage, addressing the crowd, according to outlet La Milano.
The newspaper reported that a delegation from the Italian Democratic Party also participated in the protest, although in fewer numbers.
Last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a massive rearmament plan, intending to draw on up to €800 billion in debt and tax breaks. The so-called ReArm plan is aimed at countering an alleged threat from Russia, an idea that Moscow has dismissed as groundless.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has supported the plan. However, it has reportedly put her at odds with other members of her ruling center-right coalition.
The EU’s Controversial Rearmament Plan
Last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the “ReArm Europe” plan, aiming to mobilize up to €800 billion ($875 billion) through debt and tax breaks to bolster the EU’s military-industrial complex. Touted as a response to a perceived Russian threat—dismissed by Moscow as baseless—the proposal has sparked widespread opposition. Critics, including Conte, argue it lacks strategy, with Conte stating, “This European plan does not envisage a common defense, but only new cuts in school, health, and work,” as noted by La Milano.
Political Divide and Broader Impact
While Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni supports the plan, it has strained her center-right coalition. The protest also saw participation from the Italian Democratic Party, though in smaller numbers. Across Europe, resistance grows, with many questioning the necessity of such vast military investment at the expense of social services.
Conclusion: A Call for Priorities
The Rome rally of 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the debate over Europe’s future. As the EU pushes militarization, voices like Conte’s demand a focus on peace, healthcare, and education—challenging the bloc to rethink its €800 billion gamble.