The “stone” thrown at the address of Ignazio La Russa go back to Paolo Berizzi, journalist by Republic always committed against the far right and neo-fascism. In the Pietre column he lashes out against the president of the Senate who, according to him, is guilty of winking at nostalgics during his visit to the Redipuglia military shrinein the province of Gorizia, where he went for the Armed Forces and Italian Unification Day.
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What did La Russa write in the book of honor of the monumental military cemetery which contains the remains of over 100,000 Italian soldiers who fell during the First World War? “This year too we renew the emotional tribute and shout with your names: present!”. The phrase became the incipit of Berizzi’s piece which comments: “‘Present!’ it was the roll call ritual of the fascist squads of Benito Mussolini. A ritual then borrowed and ‘handed down’ by neo-fascist groups to commemorate their dead, in cemeteries and squares: from the soldiers of the RSI to the victims of the years of Lead, such as those of Acca Larentia and Sergio Ramelli”, we read in the article.
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La Russa’s reply was not long in coming. “You can see that he has never been to the Military Shrine of Redipuglia, where the word PRESENT honors all of our fallen”, writes the second official of the State, posting a photo that says it all: a view of the shrine with the word “present” as far as the eye can see. ‘eye.
You can see that he has never been to the Military Shrine of Redipuglia, where the word PRESENT honors all of our fallen. pic.twitter.com/7nXGETnvGx
— Ignazio La Russa (@Ignazio_LaRussa) November 6, 2024
#denied #Tempo
**Interview with Paolo Berizzi, Journalist and Critic of Ignazio La Russa**
*Interviewer:* Good afternoon, Paolo. Thank you for joining us today. You recently wrote an article critiquing Ignazio La Russa’s visit to the Redipuglia military shrine. Can you share with us the essence of your concerns regarding this visit?
*Paolo Berizzi:* Good afternoon! Yes, my main concern revolves around the symbolism and implications of La Russa’s actions. When he visited the Redipuglia shrine, which honors over 100,000 Italian soldiers from World War I, he emphasized a continuity of remembrance that echoes historical fascist traditions. His phrase “present!” in the book of honor aligns disturbingly with past rituals once used by fascist groups to commemorate their fallen.
*Interviewer:* That’s a significant point. Can you elaborate on why you find this troubling, particularly in the context of modern Italian politics?
*Paolo Berizzi:* Absolutely. The use of the term “present!” harks back to the roll call of fascist squads led by Mussolini. It has been appropriated by neo-fascist groups for memorializing their dead. It raises questions about La Russa’s intent and whether he is inadvertently validating or aligning himself with those ideologies. In our current political climate, such symbols and language should be particularly scrutinized to prevent any normalization of extremism.
*Interviewer:* La Russa has stated that he aims to honor the sacrifices made by soldiers. How do you respond to those who argue that his intentions were purely commemorative?
*Paolo Berizzi:* While honoring soldiers’ sacrifices is valid, the context in which such honor is expressed matters greatly. Commemoration must be devoid of any ties to ideologies that promote division or discrimination. It is essential for public figures to choose their words and actions carefully, especially in places like Redipuglia that bear historical weight.
*Interviewer:* It seems your article sparked a significant discussion. How has the public or media reacted to your piece?
*Paolo Berizzi:* There has been a mixed response. Some support my concerns, emphasizing the need for accountability from leaders regarding their connections to the past. Others defend La Russa’s visit as a necessary respect for history. It’s a reflection of broader societal debates on nationalism, memory, and identity in Italy.
*Interviewer:* Thank you for sharing your insights today, Paolo. It’s clear this discussion touches on deeper themes in Italian society.
*Paolo Berizzi:* Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep these conversations alive as they shape our understanding of history and the present.