Day of mobilizations in Rome: Piazza del Popolo for Europe, two counter-demonstrations

Rome has prepared for a day of great political mobilization with three simultaneous demonstrations that are currently animating the historic center of the Capital.

• Piazza del Popolo hosts the pro-European demonstration launched by journalist Michele Serra
• while nearby there will be events two counter-demonstrations: one in Piazza Barberini organized by Potere al Popolo against the rearmament of the EU, and another one to Bocca della Verità promoted by Marco Rizzo and Roberto Vannacci, also with a strong pacifist connotation.

A strengthened security device

To ensure the smooth running of events, the Rome Police Headquarters has prepared a massive security plan. The demonstrations were forewarned and duly authorised, with an expected turnout of around 15.000 people in Piazza del Popolo, 250 in Piazza Barberini (although a wider participation is expected) and still not definitive numbers for the Bocca della Verità protest.

The demonstration for Europe in Piazza del Popolo

Promoted by Michele Serra, with the support of mayors of various Italian cities, trade unions and associations, the demonstration in Piazza del Popolo It is characterized by a strong European spirit. The declared objective is to reaffirm the values ​​of the European Union, underlining the importance of unity in diversity.

Despite the strong participation, some notable absences: the 5 Star Movement and Arci have decided not to participate, denouncing an ambiguity in the message of the demonstration, which includes both supporters and critics of the European rearmament plan. Giuseppe Conte motivated the choice of the M5S by stating that "this square can't be ours completely".

Il Democratic Party participates, although inside it there are divisions on European defense policy. While Secretary Elly Schlein reiterates the need for a clear position, exponents such as Pina Picierno and Carlo Calenda will support a stronger Europe also in the military field, carrying EU and Ukrainian flags to the streets to underline the need for a greater defensive commitment of the continent.

The Counter-Demonstrations: No to Rearmament and No to War

Sit-in against rearmament in Piazza Barberini

Power to the People organizes a sit-in in Barberini Square to protest against the EU Council's decision to increase investments in armaments. "We don't want a war without ambiguity" say the organizers, criticizing those who, in their opinion, do not take a clear position against European rearmament. The demonstration will see the participation of student movements and pacifist organizations.

Rizzo and Vannacci protest at the Mouth of Truth

Another dissenting voice will rise from BOcca della Verità, where Marco Rizzo and General Roberto Vannacci will gather under the Italian flag, supporting a return to national sovereignty and opposing Italy's involvement in international conflicts. According to the organizers, it will be “a popular demonstration without party banners, in defense of the Italian Constitution and its rejection of war as an instrument for resolving international disputes".

A Saturday on the Future of Europe Between Support and Protests

The three demonstrations represent a photograph of the different souls of Italian politics in relation to the European Union and its defense policy. On the one hand, the support for Europe as a united and strong entity, on the other hand criticism of its direction in terms of armaments and foreign policy.

Today therefore represents an important test for evaluate the strength of different positions in the national political debate.