Nationwide strikes and protests in Italy on Friday disrupted travel, with dozens of flights canceled and train services halted across the country, while marches in support of Gaza were held in several cities, including Genoa and Turin.
اضافة اعلان
The far-left USB labor union and several smaller unions had called for a one-day mobilization to protest the government’s plans to increase military spending and its support for Israel.
In recent years, USB has risen as a powerful grassroots union, challenging the traditional dominance of the major left- and center-leaning labor federations.
At Milan’s Malpensa Airport, at least 27 flights were canceled, while Bologna Airport reported at least 17 cancellations. Other affected airports included Milan Linate, Naples, and Venice.
ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier, announced that it had canceled 26 domestic flights due to the strikes.
Train services were also hit, with cancellations reported at major stations in Rome, Turin, Milan, and Genoa. Protests additionally prevented trains from stopping at the smaller Lambrate station in Milan.
Pro-Gaza Demonstrations
Hundreds of protesters marched in Turin, many waving Palestinian flags. Another pro-Gaza rally in Genoa featured participation from Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis.
In Venice, activists blocked access to offices of the Italian defense company Leonardo before police dispersed them using water cannons.
Leonardo S.p.A., founded in 1948 as Finmeccanica and rebranded in 2017, is one of Europe’s and the world’s leading defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity firms. The Italian government owns approximately 30.2% of the company, making it its largest shareholder.
Further Protests Planned
USB has called for another national day of protest on Saturday, condemning Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s “war budget,” saying the proposed 2026 financial bill prioritizes military spending over much-needed investment in healthcare, education, and social services.
Meloni, who has been in power since 2022, described the budget as “serious, balanced, and responsible,” highlighting income tax cuts for middle-income earners, which she says could help revive Italy’s struggling, stagnant economy.
