Rome protest peaceful as Conte and Schlein embrace

In Rome, a large CGIL-led protest in Piazza del Popolo proceeded without tension, featuring a symbolic embrace between progressive leaders Elly Schlein and Giuseppe Conte. The crowd repeatedly urged unity among the four center-left leaders, who appeared together with Nicola Fratoianni and Angelo Bonelli. CGIL leader Maurizio Landini announced a general strike for November 20, drawing cheers, while attacking the government's economic policies and rearmament plans. Schlein and Conte both spoke against military spending, with Conte proposing redirecting funds to families and businesses, and Schlein advocating for increased health investment. The event highlighted internal dynamics ahead of potential primaries, with the crowd reportedly split between Schlein and Conte. Landini, who is leaving his union post, was speculated about as a future labor minister, while Rome's mayor Roberto Gualtieri used the platform to position himself as a national political figure.