Thousands march in Rome for jobs, peace and social rights at the Via Maestra rally

On Saturday, a nationwide protest dubbed "Via Maestra" unfolded in Rome, coordinated by the Cgil together with over a hundred secular and Catholic groups. Demonstrators marched from Piazza della Repubblica through the city’s historic streets to Piazza del Popolo, highlighting issues such as wage growth, job security, public health, education, housing, peace and constitutional values. High-profile opposition leaders—including Elly Schlein, Giuseppe Conte, Angelo Bonelli and Nicola Fratoianni—were expected to address the crowd, while the event’s closing statements were assigned to Cgil chief Maurizio Landini.

The platform called for salary and pension increases, measures against low-paid precarious work, gender pay equity, a more progressive tax system and greater contributions from wealthier citizens. It also urged expanded funding for health and schools, hiring of staff, reduction of waiting lists, a housing plan for the most vulnerable, industrial investment linked to the ecological transition, and a diplomatic foreign policy that rejects higher military spending. Additionally, the rally demanded protection of protest rights, repeal of restrictive security decrees, and preservation of the balance of powers and national unity.