SHOTLIST

MILAN, ITALY (DEC. 12, 2025) (ANADOLU-ACCESS ALL)

1. PROTESTORS MARCHING, CARRYING LARGE BANNER

2. PROTESTOR AMONG CROWD WAVING RED SMOKE BOMB

3. VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS MARCHING, CHANTING SLOGANS

4. WOMAN CHANTING SLOGAN THROUGH MEGAPHONE

5. VARIOUS OF PROTESTERS MARCHING, CHANTING SLOGANS

6. POLICE OFFICERS WALKING ON STREET

7. ELDERLY MAN AMONG PROTESTERS SINGING SONG

MILAN, ITALY - DEC. 12: Several thousand demonstrators marched through central Milan on Friday, Dec. 12, joining a general strike called by Italy's largest trade union, CGIL, in protest against the conservative government's budget law.

The colorful procession, led by a banner reading "I am striking against an unfair budget law," began at Porta Genova station. It wound through the city center, including the iconic Piazza Duomo, before culminating in a rally at Piazza Scala, where union leaders addressed the crowd. Protesters carried banners and placards criticizing the government's financial maneuvers.

The strike targets the Meloni government's 2026 budget bill, valued at approximately €18 billion, which is set for parliamentary approval by the end of December. The financial package includes temporary levies on banks and insurance companies worth over €11 billion but has faced strong criticism from unions and the center-left opposition. They argue it cuts spending on public services while increasing defense funding and favors higher-income earners.

In a detailed statement, the CGIL union cited a long list of grievances, demanding greater investment in healthcare, education, and housing rights. It also called for stronger measures to address job insecurity and workplace safety, accusing the government of prioritizing the interests of the wealthy.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has defended the budget as "balanced and fiscally responsible," highlighting that it includes income tax cuts and support for families.

The strike also sparked a war of words on social media. In a post on X, Meloni mocked the CGIL for the timing of the strike announcement, sarcastically asking, "On which day of the week will Dec. 12 fall?" The Prime Minister had previously criticized a union strike in October against the war in Gaza, which also fell on a Friday, accusing organizers of seeking to create a long weekend.

The budget law is expected to be submitted to parliament in the coming wee