Hundreds join national strike in Rome against Italy's 2026 budget plans

Italy saw large crowds in Rome on Friday as hundreds joined a national strike against the government’s budget plans.

The action, called by the country’s main trade union, disrupted transport, schools and parts of the health system.

Union representatives argue that the 2026 budget puts too much money into defence and not enough into public services. They call for stronger investment in healthcare, education and housing, as well as better safety at work.

Speakers also raised concerns about the future of the Italian steel industry and pointed to recent workplace deaths as evidence that protections are still too weak