Meloni Faces Historic Protest as Economy Slumps in Italy`

Rome, Feb 7, 2026 — A wave of protest swept through Rome and Milan this week as Italy’s economy continues to struggle, raising questions about Giorgia Meloni’s handling of the nation's finances. Demonstrators in the capital’s historic piazzas called for urgent reforms, drawing a diverse crowd that included factory workers, students, and retirees.

Federal sites in Rome and Milan’s financial district were filled with thousands of Italians as they streamed to the squares in a spectacular display of civic dissent. Many participants carried banners reading 'Italy’s Future, Not Politicians,' while others waved flags shaped like broken coins. The demonstrators called for a reset of the government’s economic policies, which critics say have done little to revive growth or reduce debt.

Reports from on‑site correspondents indicate the protest was largely peaceful. Police cordoned off streets around the Colosseum and the financial hub of Piazza Della Repubblica, but no major incidents were reported. The National Police described the event as a 'controlled demonstration' that allowed a large number of people to pass their messages to the public.

The gathering was a wake‑up call for the prime minister’s administration. Meloni’s government has faced criticism from opposition parties for its austerity‑focused approach, which has traditionally prioritized lowering national debt over modernising public services. Economists warn that Italy’s public debt now stands at 124 percent of GDP, a level that threatens long‑term investments in infrastructure and technology. With inflation in recent months hovering at 7 percent, many Italians are concerned that future wage growth may not keep pace.

The protests come at the same time that the latest economic data released by Italy’s national statistical office reveal that GDP fell by 0.9 percent in the first quarter of the year. Jacob, a small‑business owner in Naples, expressed his frustration at the lingering uncertainty. 'We are struggling to keep our stores open, and the government’s strong‑man approach does not give us the stability we need.' Forty‑year‑old Alena, a nurse from Turin, added that healthcare is being strained by rising costs. 'Without more funding, the health system will collapse. We all need the government to act differently.'

Politically, the situation is fluid. The coalition of parties that Meloni has headed has historically relied on the support of right‑wing electoral allies. The opposition’s dismissal of the prime minister’s plan to transfer debt to a European‑wide fund has escalated. 'The call for a European bailout is a raw deal for Italy’s citizens,' a spokeswoman for the Democratic Party said. Meloni’s party, the Brothers of Italy, argued that the country must focus on sovereign interests and the over‑dependence on eurozone support could worsen the debt levels. Nonetheless, the protests are a sign that the government’s policies are not both resonating with the electorate and being understood.

Historic capital cities such as Rome and Florence have always been a hotbed for popular rallies in Italy. The recent elections and economic downturns point to increased voter frustration. Some commentators note that the demonstration was influenced by recent economic measures such as the temporary freezing of baby‑benefit payments and the lack of investment in renewable energy.

What could come next for the Meloni administration remains uncertain. The next parliamentary session will likely be televised across every region and, according to insiders, it will be a test for the prime minister’s ability to navigate the current crisis.

In the coming days, political analysts and economists will closely watch the outcome of the government’s upcoming policy shifts as a determining factor for Italy’s future trajectory. The road ahead will require substantial, transparent measures that directly address the pervasive economic challenges currently facing its people.

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