Another Protest in Florence

On Saturday, November 12, there was another protest against Prime Minister Renzi and the upcoming December 4 referendum. 

Unlike the November 5 protest, the latest protest was peaceful.  There was a strong police presence in the blocks around the protest but the riot helmets and shields were not evident.  No violence was reported.   (There was also a counter-demonstration in another part of the city--in support of Renzi and the referendum.)

Anti-referendum protesters arrived by the busload from all over Italy, primarily northern Italy, to rally for a NO vote.  We happened to be walking nearby and we ventured into Piazza Santa Croce where the rally was held.  The mood was upbeat with all sorts of people milling around, waiting for the speeches to start.  There were a few banners and a LOT of flags.  Apparently, Italians LOVE flags, as seen in the photos below.

We left before the speeches began.  We later learned we missed something special.  Click here, if you are curious what it was.  Only in Italy. 

Here are a few photos. 

Piazza Santa Croce, site of the anti-referendum protest with many flags flapping in the breeze (11/12/2016)

One of the organizers of the protest was the Lega Nord political party, the Northern League.  The Lega Nord represents the interests of northern Italy, including Florence and the rest of Tuscany.  (11/12/2016)

The main stage of the rally with a photo of Prime Minister Renzi and a slogan:  "I vote NO."  (11/12/2016)

One protester was walking around with the flag shown in the photo above.  The only explanation we can offer is the fact that the Lega Nord party seeks Northern Italy's independence from the rest of Italy.  Perhaps the flag represents that desire for separation.  (11/12/2016)

P.S.  If you enjoyed what you saw after clicking on the link above, click here for the same thing that occurred a few months ago in the very same place.