- September 22, 2025 General Strike Halts Trains, Taxis, and Public Transport Across Italy with Scheduled Service Windows
On Monday, September 22, 2025, Italy will undergo a nationwide general strike impacting public and private sectors, notably transport services. The strike, called by the Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) and other unions, is motivated by opposition to the war in Gaza and the broader "war economy".
Strike Details:
USB declares a full-day strike for all sectors. Railway staff strike from 9:00 PM on September 21 to 8:59 PM on September 22. Public local transport, maritime, freight, and logistics sectors strike for 24 hours. Taxi services halt from midnight to 11:59 PM on September 22.
Other unions (CUB, SGB, ADL VARESE, USI-CIT) also call full-day strikes, including highway and port sectors.
Train Services: FS, Italo, and Trenord warn of cancellations and changes from 9:00 PM on September 21 to 9:00 PM on September 22. Minimum services operate during peak hours (6:00–9:00 AM and 6:00–9:00 PM for regional trains). Long-distance trains with guaranteed service are listed online. Refunds and rebooking are available.
Local Public Transport Guarantees (examples):
Rome: Service until 8:29 AM and 5:00–7:59 PM.
Milan (ATM): Service until 8:45 AM and from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.
Bologna and Ferrara (TPER): Service 8:30 AM–4:30 PM and 7:30 PM to end of service.
Genoa (AMT): Urban service 6:00–9:00 AM and 5:30–8:30 PM.
Naples (EAV): Service 5:30–8:30 AM and 4:30–7:30 PM on select lines.
Taxi services will be suspended all day, with essential services maintained as required.
Education and Public Sector: The Ministry of Education and Merit announced the strike for education and research sectors, with possible service reductions based on local participation.
Strike Motivation: The unions cite the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and call for an end to the "war economy", referencing the "Global Sumud Flotilla" mission. The strike aims to protest the situation described as genocide with global complicity.
Advice: Passengers should check official channels for real-time updates, guaranteed train lists, refund policies, and local public transport schedules.
- Italy’s CGIL Calls Nationwide Strikes and Demonstrations on September 19, 2025, to Protest Gaza Crisis
The Italian trade union CGIL has announced a national day of mobilization on Friday, September 19, 2025 , including strikes and demonstrations across Italy in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza City. CGIL’s national categories will hold at least two-hour strikes at the end of shifts in sectors not covered by Law 146/90, with assemblies organized in those sectors. Regional and territorial confederations will coordinate open demonstrations inviting all supporters of the initiative. The union demands an immediate halt to military interventions in Gaza , the establishment of humanitarian corri…
- Salvini Defends Handshake with Russian Ambassador Amid Opposition Criticism
Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini responded to criticism over his handshake with Russian Ambassador Alexei Paramonov at a diplomatic event hosted by China in Rome. Salvini stated, "I prefer a handshake to an angry look," emphasizing that he greeted numerous diplomats, including the Spanish ambassador and Italian officials, as a gesture of maintaining good relations and dialogue . The opposition parties strongly condemned Salvini's actions . Senator Filippo Sensi (PD) called the handshake "a deep shame for Italy" and demanded the government distance itself from the gesture and reaffirm suppo…
- Greta Thunberg Steps Down from Leadership Role in Gaza-Bound Flotilla Amid Security Concerns and Communication Disputes
The Global Sumud Flotilla , aiming to reach Gaza amid escalating conflict, faced multiple delays and security challenges before departing Tunisian ports. The flotilla, comprising around 40 boats from Spain, Tunisia, Italy, and other countries, encountered drone attacks and administrative obstacles during its journey. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg resigned from her leadership position within the flotilla due to disagreements over communication strategies , which some felt overly emphasized the flotilla itself rather than the situation in Gaza. Despite stepping down from the directoria…
- Donald Trump Arrives in London for Historic Second State Visit to the UK
Donald Trump landed at London Stansted Airport aboard Air Force One with First Lady Melania for his second state visit to the United Kingdom, an honor unprecedented in modern British history. He was greeted by diplomats, officials, and royal dignitaries. The ceremonial reception is scheduled for Windsor Castle tomorrow, hosted by King Charles III , whom Trump praised as "a friend" and "an elegant gentleman." Despite the formal welcome, protests against Trump are expected in London. On Thursday, Trump will hold a political summit with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The presidential 747 was met by…
- Kremlin "NATO Is De Facto at War with Russia"!
The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitri Peskov and Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev, has declared that NATO is effectively at war with Russia due to Western support for Ukraine, including actions such as shooting down Russian drones over Ukrainian territory. This escalation follows recent Russian drone incursions into NATO airspace over Poland and Romania, prompting the UK to summon the Russian ambassador in protest. NATO continues to strengthen its eastern defenses, with Italy preparing to deploy additional Eurofighter jets to the alliance's eastern front. Meanwhile, Russia a…
- Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza Overwhelmed Amid Intensified Israeli Bombardments
The Al Shifa Hospital, Gaza's main medical facility, is facing a severe crisis as it struggles to accommodate an influx of injured patients due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. With a capacity of 290 beds, the hospital currently houses over 520 patients, forcing medical staff to treat individuals on the floor amid shortages of beds, medicines, and supplies. Director Mohammad Abu Salmia highlighted the dire conditions in a video showing wounded children and adults receiving care in overcrowded intensive care units. Recent attacks, including a car bomb near the hospital, have caused panic and incr…
- Clashes and Charges at Pro-Palestine Protest in Madrid, 100,000 Demonstrate
Over 100,000 pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered in central Madrid during the final stage of the Vuelta a España cycling race, leading to the cancellation of the event's last leg traditionally held in the Spanish capital. The protest, marked by chants, Palestinian flags, and slogans condemning Genocide in Gaza, escalated into violent clashes near Paseo del Prado. Some protesters threw objects and obstructed the race route, prompting police to respond with tear gas and charges. Two arrests were reported. The race was halted 56 kilometers from the finish line. Security was heightened throughout…