Thousands of people took to the streets of Rome on March 15 to protest against the EU’s armament agenda and rising military expenditures, which will funnel resources from social services and welfare. “Not one euro for their war” was the rallying cry of the demonstrators, who mobilized in response to a call from Potere al Popolo. The demonstration included grassroots trade unionists, student associations, and political organizations.
The protest took place in parallel to a pro-EU rally initiated by Repubblica journalist Michele Serra, which called on the public to defend the ambiguous concept of “European values.” The event was criticized by a number of progressive organizations and media outlets for implicitly endorsing the EU’s militarization efforts. “Michele Serra’s call for mobilization effectively promotes a structural convergence between the Meloni government and the entire national establishment under the guise of European unity, in an attempt to maintain a partisan game that stifles popular demands for peace,” Potere al Popolo wrote in their statement ahead of the anti-militarization march.
Read more: What are European leaders going to choose: people or war?
One of the main criticisms of Serra’s event, explains Maurizio Coppola of Potere al Popolo, was that it rallied many well-intentioned people but failed to represent their actual concerns. Instead, it used their presence as an endorsement of the EU project. Given that some of Italy’s largest trade union confederations took part – despite expressing reservations – the impact of such manipulation is not to be left unaddressed. In the end, and unsurprisingly, Coppola noted that the pro-EU demonstration failed to address core systemic issues: it ignored Europe’s ongoing colonial practices, and there was no challenge to the lingering idea of a white, male-dominated Europe. “What does it mean to strengthen European values [from that perspective]?” Coppola asked. “White supremacy? Colonialism?”
Another major point of contention was mainstream political actors’ acceptance of Ursula von der Leyen’s flagship armament project, ReArm Europe. The Democratic Party’s support for the pro-EU demonstration was significant, especially considering it failed to confront the implications of the €800 billion armament plan. The program, which will expand national and EU funds, and mobilize the private sector, is expected to further weaken public services and social protections. While left forces have strongly opposed ReArm Europe, the initiative has received support from virtually all other political blocs.
Despite the growing institutional push for the armament plan, Potere al Popolo and other left groups have vowed to continue resisting. Their message to the Meloni government and EU institutions is simple: a clear, resounding no to militarization. “Yes, money for public expenses is necessary,” said Potere al Popolo spokesperson Giuliano Granato during the demonstration. “But it is necessary for raising wages and improving healthcare. Because when someone visits the hospital tomorrow, they’ll be told the wait for an appointment is a year and a half. Certainly it’s not going to be a tank that saves them.”
