Cgil leads Rome protest against budget law prioritizing arms spending

The Cgil trade union and over 100 civic associations held the "Via Maestra" demonstration in Rome today, with opposition leaders Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte attending. Cgil leader Maurizio Landini harshly criticized the government's budget law. Landini stated the budget "is quite disgusting" because it allocates 14 billion euros to arms spending instead of addressing social needs. Speakers including Laura Boldrini and Angelo Bonelli accused the Meloni government of prioritizing military expenditure while citizens struggle with inflation, housing costs, and low wages. The march from Piazza della Repubblica to Piazza del Popolo demanded higher salaries and pensions, increased public health and education funding, and opposition to rising military spending. Organizers also called for repealing security decree provisions they say restrict protest rights.