During one of the demonstrations, the collection of signatures against sanctions against the Russian Federation was launchedROME, October 15.
/tass/. Several hundred supporters of the "Sovereign and People's Italy" party took part in a rally on Saturday in the square of the Holy Apostles in the center of Rome, a TASS correspondent reports.
The party, whose representatives were unable to enter parliament following the results of the parliamentary elections held on September 25, supports the cessation of arms supplies to Kiev, the country's withdrawal from the EU and NATO, as well as the lifting of anti-Russian sanctions.
"Before the elections, 51% of Italians opposed anti-Russian sanctions and [Italy's] commitments regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Today, this figure has increased to 60%, - said the representative of the political education Antonio Ingroya. "We, as the Italian people, have an obligation, we must be messengers of peace."
The party also believes that the future government is unlikely to change its policy towards Ukraine and Russia. The organizers of the demonstration reported that a similar action will be held in Milan in a week.
Also on Saturday, in front of the Pontifical Cathedral of St. John in Lateran, the chairman of the International Association of Victims of Terrorism, Marco Falvella, organized a rally against sending weapons to Kiev and anti-Russian restrictions.
In addition, a number of associations, including the Veneto-Russia Association and the Verona for Freedom public movement, organized a rally in Verona on Saturday against NATO and for Italy's withdrawal from the alliance, against sending weapons to Ukraine and for restoring cooperation with Russia in all areas.
As the head of Veneto-Russia, Palmarino Zoccatelli, told the TASS correspondent, during the demonstration, the collection of signatures against sanctions against Russia was launched. "The sanctions regime is destroying our economy, our enterprises, negatively affects families," he said, pointing, in particular, to electricity bills, which have doubled.
Zoccatelli drew attention to the fact that not only Italians, but also residents of other European countries express dissatisfaction against the background of rising bills and declining quality of life. He expressed hope "that the new Italian government will change its course" regarding the situation. The previous government led by Mario Draghi, in his opinion, "followed orders from Washington."