The demonstration was initiated by the three largest trade unions of Italy — CGIL, as well as the Italian Confederation of Workers' Trade Unions (CISL) and the Italian Labour Union (UIL) — in the wake of violent developments after the protests against COVID-19 digital certificates last weekend.
According to preliminary estimates, some 50,000 activists from across the country came to Rome to partake in the demonstration. There are prominent leftist politicians and European Parliament members among those rallying.
"This is a manifestation in defence of democracy for all. The attack against CGIL, the attacks on trade unions are actually directed against the dignity of labour and against the entire country. We gathered here to defend democracy and expand it," CGIL head Maurizio Landini said ahead of the demonstration.
After a massive demonstration against the mandatory green passes in Rome on October 9, far-right activists triggered unrest in downtown, encouraging masked protesters to break into the head office of CGIL, which backs the introduction of these passes. They crashed the front door but were driven out by police forces.
The Italian leadership denounced the violent actions of the activists, expressing solidarity with labour unions. Landini later demanded that all neo-fascist political organizations be dissolved in Italy.