Approximately 6,000 members of Italy's armed forces and security services took to the streets of Rome on Saturday, launching a joint protest to demand higher pay, improved pension schemes, and stronger workplace protections. The demonstration marked the first time the nation's primary defence and security unions have coordinated a joint rally, bringing together representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri, and Guardia di Finanza.
Marching behind the slogan, "Every day we serve Italy. Today we demand respect," the participants expressed frustration with a recent pay agreement that several unions—including Sinafi, the New Carabinieri Union (NSC), Usami Aeronautica, Itamil, and Silmm—refused to endorse. These organizations argued that the deal failed to adequately address the economic challenges faced by personnel.
Massimiliano Zetti, secretary-general of the NSC, emphasized the human element behind the uniforms, stating, "The reasons why we did not sign this agreement and rejected it are simple: what we were supposed to receive from an economic point of view has not been delivered." He added, "Because inside those uniforms working for the state, under the state’s emblem, there are not silhouettes, there are families, there are people, women and men who work. It is only right that they should be paid fairly. Security has a cost."
The unions presented four core demands: a comprehensive reform of the supplementary pension system, a rejection of proposals to increase the retirement age to 65, enhanced legal protections for security staff, and salary increases that align with the rising cost of living. Furthermore, they called for increased government investment in recruitment, training, and the modernization of their respective professions. The event concluded with a conference regarding the future of Italy's security and emergency services.
While such demonstrations remain uncommon, they have been observed across the European Union in recent years. Italian police previously protested in 2023 regarding funding and inflation-linked salary adjustments. Similar actions have occurred in France, where police unions held strikes ahead of the Paris Olympics, in Spain, where the Jusapol union sought pay parity, and in Belgium, where police engaged in "white strikes" and other disruptions to highlight their grievances.
Although rare, protests by members of the armed forces and law enforcement have taken place in several EU countries in recent years.
Belgian police unions also organised protests in 2022 and 2023, including "white strikes", roadblocks and a temporary refusal to issue fines for minor offences, with some demonstrations disrupting access to Brussels Airport.
