The “Hands Off!” movement in support of democracy is gaining momentum. On April 5, a nationwide demonstration in the U.S. pulled hundreds of thousands into the streets of most major cities as well as small towns and communities from coast to coast. European cities also showed their support, including a group of U.S. citizens that gathered in piazza della Signoria in Florence that same day.
Now, on Saturday, April 19, the momentum continues to move forward, bringing Americans, Italians and other nationalities into Florence’s piazza Santa Maria Novella from 3 to 5pm. Demonstrations continue to manifest the uncertainty that the current U.S. administration is causing around the world. Shouts and signs will indicate “Hands Off!” of Palestine, Ukraine, Africa, Greenland, tariffs and humanitarian aid, not to mention the domestic crisis to keep “hands off” of our bodies, pensions, children’s education, choice of healthcare, social security, and the indigenous or environmental movements opposing land grabs and ecological destruction.
To continue our right to protest—another factor at risk—the groups Good Trouble, Firenze, along with Democrats Abroad, Hands Off! and other associations will be gathering in piazza Santa Maria Novella this Saturday in a vocal yet peaceful demonstration. Every single effort to support the movement, whether by spreading the word and/or being there, is a positive step forward towards humanitarian efforts to save democracy.
Upcoming protests: Thursday, May 1, 2025, 3-5pm, piazza Santa Maria Novella, Florence
Article updated on April 29, 2025.
