Nationwide Strike Disrupts Italy Amid Budget Protests

Italy experienced a nationwide strike on Friday, led by unions CGIL and UIL, disrupting air traffic, public transport, schools, and hospitals in protest against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's proposed budget cuts to social security and public services. The unions reported over 70% worker participation, indicating significant public dissatisfaction with the government's financial policies. CGIL leader Maurizio Landini stated that the strike was necessary to address deep-seated injustices, while the government faces challenges in balancing fiscal discipline with welfare support. Although the centrist CISL union did not support the strike, it still represented considerable unrest with the budget's austerity measures. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini's decision to limit the transport sector's strike to four hours aimed to minimize disruption, but other sectors continued their protests for the full day. This strike reflects ongoing tensions regarding Italy's substantial public debt and the government's attempts to align with EU financial regulations.