In a significant show of dissent, thousands of protesters gathered in Rome to burn images of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni alongside former U.S. President Donald Trump, symbolizing their opposition to the current right-wing government's policies. The protests featured union members, activists, and students who rallied against a proposed judicial reform set to be put to a referendum on March 22-23. This proposed legislation aims to separate the roles of public prosecution from the judiciary, drawing criticism from various quarters.

The demonstrators expressed their fears over the government's increasing alignment with U.S. policies, particularly in light of current tensions in the Middle East, emphasizing their rejection of Meloni's administration with slogans like "No to Meloni's Government" and "No to War." Demonstrators waved flags from various countries, including Palestine, Iran, and Cuba, highlighting their solidarity with those affected by conflict, which they associate with the Italian government's foreign policy decisions.

The upcoming judicial reform referendum has further divided public opinion in Italy, as critics argue it undermines judicial independence and oversteps governmental authority. The protests reflect deep-seated concerns among the population regarding governmental decisions that intertwine domestic policy with the country's foreign policy stance, particularly regarding its relationship with the U.S. and implications for regional stability.