Protesters also criticized Meloni’s alignment on Middle East policy and her closeness to Trump, noting Rome’s indirect involvement in the conflict.

Thousands of people in Rome joined large protests linking Middle East wars to domestic politics ahead of Italy’s March 22-23 referendum on reforms to the judiciary, as demonstrators in other cities like Madrid also pressed for conflict resolution and civilian protection.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended the judicial reforms as necessary to cut chronic court delays and restore public confidence, arguing that an efficient judiciary safeguards society.

The USB union federation denounced a “war economy” and militarism, accusing the government of failing to ensure balanced development and stable employment.

Demonstrators, largely union members, students and left-wing groups, carried banners opposing Meloni’s government, opposing the war, and calling for a ‘No’ to the referendum.

Reporting filed from Athens by Derek Gatopoulos provided context on the regional dimension of the protests.

Organizers estimated about 20,000 participants in Rome, with anti-imperialist slogans like ‘Take your hands off Iran’ and ‘Defend socialist Cuba’ reflecting broader anti-war sentiment.

The reform proposal would split judges and prosecutors into separate tracks and create two separate Superior Councils of the Judiciary, with some members to be chosen by lottery, among other changes.

While unions and opponents cast the referendum as a verdict on the government, Meloni urged not to frame it as a personal plebiscite and stated she will not resign if the reform is rejected.

Some protesters burned posters depicting Trump and Meloni, and others targeted images of Meloni and Trump together, signaling opposition to the government’s stance on the Middle East.

Italy’s government reiterated it will refrain from participating in any conflict against Iran and emphasized de-escalation and civilian protection in the region.

Protests included banners and Iranian flags, with demonstrators opposing war and tying their stance to criticisms of judicial reform.