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2026-05-24 09:48:32
[Tens of Thousands Protest Rising Cost of Living in Rome, Italy] On the 23rd local time, tens of thousands of Italians took to the streets of Rome, the capital, to protest against the high energy prices and soaring cost of living caused by regional conflicts and military expansion. According to the labor unions organizing the march, 15,000 people participated, with protesters coming from all over Italy. Protesters stated that soaring energy prices due to geopolitical tensions and stagnant incomes leading to decreased purchasing power have made it difficult for many ordinary workers to make ends meet. Italy's declared military spending to NATO in 2025 is 2% of its GDP, a significant increase from 1.54% in 2024. The organizers stated that it is unacceptable for the government to invest heavily in military spending while ordinary people face increasing financial pressure. The key to overcoming the crisis lies in investing resources in people's livelihoods rather than the military, while simultaneously ensuring that wages and pensions keep pace with prices, and that industry truly serves the country's needs. (CCTV)
