Italians protest against their country's membership of the US-led NATO military alliance in Rome (Photo> Iran Press)​

Rome, October 18 (RHC)-- Italians have marched in the capital Rome to protest against the country’s membership of the US-led NATO military alliance, as energy and cost-of-living crisis worsen across Europe amid the raging war in Ukraine.

The massive demonstration, organized by the USB (Unione Sindacale di Base) union, saw people burning energy bills in protest against skyrocketing costs of living, which are taking a huge toll on ordinary people in the southern European country.

The demonstrators called on the government in Rome to leave the NATO military alliance and demanded an end to the Russian war in Ukraine, now in its eighth month.  The simmering war in Ukraine has resulted in a severe energy crisis across the continent, fueling strong anti-NATO sentiments among people. 

Italy has been rocked by several such anti-government and anti-NATO demonstrations in recent months.   In June, a demonstration was held in the center of the Italian capital for the withdrawal of Italy from NATO, against the supply of weapons to Ukraine and the spread of misinformation about Russia and the Ukrainian war.

The protest was organized by Italian parties and associations that are part of the political opposition in the country, including 3V, Ancora Italia, SìAmo, Riconquistare L’Italia and others.