Trending Now - Protests Erupt in Italy and Spain Ahead of Italian Referendum

WHO:

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

Demonstrator Sandra Paganini

Thousands of protesters in Italy and Spain

Civic groups organizing protests in Spain

WHAT:

Thousands protested against wars in the Middle East and proposed judicial reforms by the Italian government.

The national referendum on changes to the judicial system is scheduled for March 22nd-23rd, 2026.

Protesters chanted “Meloni government, resign” during the rallies.

Anti-war protests surged following the launch of U.S. and Israeli air attacks on Iran on February 28th, 2026.

WHERE:

Central Rome, Italy

Madrid, Spain

Additional protests occurred in Athens and other cities across Greece.

WHEN:

Protests occurred on March 14th, 2026.

The referendum is set for March 22nd-23rd, 2026.

U.S. and Israeli air attacks on Iran began on February 28th, 2026.

Meloni made a campaign speech in Milan on March 12th, 2026.

WHY:

Protests were linked to opposition against wars in the Middle East and concerns over judicial reforms that may weaken judicial independence.

Meloni stated that reforms are needed to tackle chronic delays in Italy’s courts and restore public confidence in the legal system.

HOW:

Protesters waved red trade union banners and Palestinian and Cuban flags during the demonstrations.

Rallies were organized by a coalition of civic groups in Spain.

(UPDATED March 15, 2026 07:17 UTC)

On March 14, thousands of protesters gathered in central Rome, Madrid, and other cities across Europe to voice their opposition to wars in the Middle East and proposed judicial reforms by the Italian government. Demonstrators chanted “Meloni government, resign” as they waved red trade union banners and flags from Palestine and Cuba, with the protests intensifying after U.S. and Israeli air attacks on Iran began on February 28. The national referendum on changes to Italy's judicial system is set for March 22nd and 23rd, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has argued that these reforms are necessary to address delays in the court system and restore public confidence.