Belgian unionists' protest angers Italy's Meloni at disaster ceremony

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly condemned a protest by Belgian trade unionists during ceremonies commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Bois du Cazier mining disaster. The incident occurred Saturday in Marcinelle, Belgium, as unionists silently turned their backs on Ignazio La Russa, the president of the Italian Senate and a member of Meloni's far-right Fratelli d'Italia party, while he was speaking. Meloni described the act as "grave and shameful" in a statement. The commemorations honored the 262 victims of the August 8, 1956, catastrophe. Hundreds attended the ceremony, where various officials delivered speeches. The protest by the unionists, who remained silent during their demonstration, targeted La Russa's presence and political affiliation, casting a shadow over the solemn remembrance.