On Friday, Italy experienced a major national strike, disrupting flights, buses, and metro services, causing school closures and reduced medical services.
The protest, organized by the country’s two largest trade unions, CGIL and UIL, aimed to express opposition to the government’s budget plans.
CGIL, Italy’s largest trade union, criticized the planned reductions to social welfare, public services, and investment. Meanwhile, UIL urged for budget adjustments that prioritize worker safety in response to a series of workplace incidents. The strike poses a significant challenge for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government, which is facing discontent from workers upset by public spending cuts intended to align Italy’s budget with EU standards.
The strike did not receive support from the centrist CISL, Italy’s third major trade union. However, Maurizio Landini, leader of the left-wing CGIL, addressed a rally in Bologna, emphasizing strong participation. “Such full squares (like this one) show that we are on the right track,” he said.
Despite Italy’s financial strain, the government approved a budget last month featuring tax cuts worth around 24 billion euros, as well as increased spending and reductions in income tax and social contributions for middle- and low-income earners.
