Thousands of people took to the streets across Italy on Friday, for a national strike that was called by the country's largest union to protest the government's 2026 budget.

The strike comes as the budget is expected to be discussed next week and must be approved by the country's parliament by the end of this year.

Italy's CGIL union has estimated that some 61% of all public and private sector workers participated in the strike.

"The majority of the workers who keep this country going don't agree with and don't accept this government's budget," CGIL chief Maurizio Landini told a rally in Florence. 

"Today shows more clearly than ever that we need a change," he added.

Demonstrations the latest in a slew of protests to have hit Italy

The demonstrations were the latest in a slew of protests that have hit Italy in recent months. Italians have taken to the streets to reject the government's economic policies and its support for Israel.

The budget is being put forth by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing Brothers of Italy party.

Although Meloni's party, which governs under a stable coalition, still tops opinion polls, some recent surveys have shown a decline in the government's popularity.

What's the problem with the budget?

CGIL, which represents 5 million workers, half of whom are pensioners, argues that the new budget would "worsen people's living and working conditions."

Along with other unions, CGIL has rejected planned increases in defense spending. The unions are calling on the government to invest more in healthcare and education, as well as take measures to bolster salaries and pensions.

Meloni's government has responded to the discontent by saying the budget has been well-received by financial markets and ratings agencies, arguing that it strengthens Italy's public finances, while lowering taxes for middle earners.

Meloni and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini responded to the strike plans when they were agreed to last month, making fun of the union for organizing the strike as usual on a Friday, implying that it was an excuse for a long weekend.

Edited by: Roshni Majumdar