In Naples alone, around 30,000 people participated in the march, reflecting widespread discontent among workers.

Major trade unions in Italy organized a strike to protest Premier Giorgia Meloni's budget, which has been criticized for adversely affecting public services like education and healthcare.

The protests saw significant participation, with major demonstrations occurring in at least 43 cities, including Rome, Milan, and Naples, drawing an estimated 500,000 participants.

The CGIL union opposes cuts to social security and public services, while UIL demands improvements in worker safety following recent workplace accidents.

Florence reported over 70,000 attendees at the protest, while Cagliari experienced a 70% turnout in public transport services.

Protesters voiced concerns over the rising costs of basic necessities, with reports indicating that grocery costs for a family of four increased by €238 in 2024 compared to the previous year.

The centrist CISL union did not support the strike, with its leader criticizing the protests as ineffective and demagogic, given that the budget is still under discussion.

Italy's government, facing scrutiny from the EU over its significant public debt, aims to reduce the public deficit while managing a budget that includes €24 billion in tax cuts.

Despite starting salaries in Italy being comparable to the European average, wage growth has not kept pace with inflation, resulting in a low gross median salary of €35,000.

Union leaders highlighted that nearly six million workers are facing challenges due to expired contracts and inadequate government responses to wage increases and workplace safety.

Union representatives criticized the government for failing to fulfill its promises to improve workers' conditions, emphasizing the need for a fair distribution of profits.

Despite tensions within her coalition, Giorgia Meloni's government remains stable, with her party leading in polls and her tenure among the longest for Italian leaders.