Tens of thousands of Italians protested on Friday against the Meloni government's budget, with an estimated participation of 500,000 people and a strike by 61% of workers.

On Friday, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Italy to protest against the government's budget plans for 2026 led by Giorgia Meloni, causing disruptions in transport and other public services. The CGIL union estimated that 61% of workers in the public and private sectors joined the strike, and over 500,000 people participated in marches in major cities. CGIL leader Maurizio Landini stated that the majority of workers disagree with the government's budget and demand change.

CGIL and other trade unions criticize the budget plans, which foresee increases in spending, calling for additional investments in education and health, as well as measures to support wages and pensions. Although the Meloni government claims that the budget will strengthen public finances, recent polls show a decline in its popularity and a slight increase in center-left opposition, with parliamentary elections scheduled for 2027.