Tens of thousands of Italians gathered in Rome’s Piazza del Popolo on Saturday for a pro-Europe rally, waving European Union and peace flags. The demonstration, which drew at least 50,000 people, was launched by journalist Michele Serra to show support for European unity amid growing political divisions.
Serra first proposed the initiative in late February through an editorial in La Repubblica titled: “Let’s say something European.” His goal was to organise a large, non-partisan demonstration in support of Europe’s unity and freedom. “I wanted to organise a large demonstration of citizens supporting Europe, its unity and its freedom, with no party flags, only European flags,” he said, introducing the slogan: “Here we make Europe, or we die.”
The rally attracted representatives from centre-left parties, lawmakers, labour unions, associations, and mayors, including Rome’s Roberto Gualtieri. Many attendees supported the European Commission’s ReArm plan, while others opposed it. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has expressed reservations about the initiative, concerned that it could increase Italy’s debt by diverting essential funds to weapons spending.
The event took place in a packed Piazza del Popolo, with thousands more following from the Pincio Terrace.
Read: How does Italy stand on rearmament and troops to Ukraine?
The importance of democracy
Opening the rally, Michele Serra emphasised the importance of democracy and diverse political views.
“A European square is a square of people who think differently on a number of things,” he said. “Each one of you could have beside them a person who votes for another party, who does not believe in God or in your God.
“Democracy is not very fashionable in the world. In a world that appears to be in pieces, a square that gathers different people and ideas is a scandal. This scandal has a name – it’s called democracy.”
Closing the event, Serra thanked the crowd and urged them to remain engaged. “There are 50,000 of us in the square. Let’s stay in touch”, he said.
