Rome: Italy's largest trade union, CGIL, announced on Friday its intention to stage a general strike on December 12 in opposition to the budget law proposed by the conservative government of Premier Giorgia Meloni.

According to Anadolu Agency, the budget includes financial charges exceeding £11 billion ($12.7 billion) on banks and insurance companies over the next two years. The measure has faced criticism from unions and the center-left opposition for reducing spending on public services while boosting defense funding.

In its statement, CGIL cited numerous reasons for the strike, including demands for increased investments in healthcare, education, and housing rights. The union also called for robust measures to address job insecurity and workplace safety, accusing the government of prioritizing the interests of the wealthy.

Premier Meloni defended the budget law as balanced and fiscally responsible, highlighting income tax cuts and family support measures included in the financial plan. The 2026 budget, valued at approximately £18 billion, is set to be presented to parliament soon, with final approval anticipated by the end of December.

In a post on X, Meloni mocked the union's strike announcement, sarcastically questioning which day of the week December 12 would fall. Previously, she had criticized a strike in October called by unions against the war in Gaza for coinciding with a Friday, suggesting it was an attempt to create a long weekend.

The upcoming CGIL nationwide protest will occur just two weeks after another general strike scheduled for November 28 by the smaller USB and CUB unions, also in protest of the budget.