Politics flares up and tension grows between the majority and the opposition after the clashes that took place between antagonists and the police in Bologna, where two opposing demonstrations were underway: the anti-fascist collectives were on one side, on the other the Network of Patriots and CasaPound. The reactions of Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Salvini were very harsh. The prime minister attacked the “left that continues to tolerate and support troublemakers”. The leader of the League, however, made a request: “These social centers occupied by the communists must be closed and I will ask Minister Piantedosi to do so today.” Today, in a long interview granted to Corriere della Sera, the President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa also expressed his opinion on the topic: “There is an umbilical cord that the left must decide to cut. It is not enough to agree on general principles , like anti-fascism, to join any company you have to choose your own companies or you end up offering an umbrella to the violent.”
“The Constitution guarantees everyone the right to demonstrate, in compliance with the rules”, recalled the second state official, “one can agree or not with the reasons of those who demonstrate, but one cannot expect them to be prohibited when the authorities in charge recognize its legality. And in Bologna the Police Headquarters authorized it by giving very restrictive regulations to the CasaPound demonstrators. None of us, however, offers to go on a march with extremist groups troublemakers”. The appeal to weigh words “is to be addressed to everyone. However, it cannot even be said that everyone has the same responsibilities. There is a culture that is too tolerant of violence, too hostile to the forces of law and order, too deaf to the requests of security. And it is clear that these are not positions attributable to the current Government. Let us all examine our consciences”, thundered La Russa.
Among the hot topics addressed during the interview was the revival of anti-Semitism. For some time now, the war in the Middle East seems to have legitimized the new hunt for the Jew. “We are witnessing an alarming resurgence of anti-Semitism. I have always been for the solution of two peoples, two states. But we cannot work towards this objective without distancing ourselves from those who want the disappearance of Israel”, explained the president of the Senate. La Russa also wanted to speak “of those in Italy and around the world who do not say clearly that to achieve true peace we must start from the recognition of Israel’s right to exist. Let’s think of the horrible beatings of Israeli fans in Amsterdam: we condemn them all, it’s obvious. But at the demonstration in Milan some applauded that violence. We need to know how to distance ourselves from this drift.”
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Marco Conti on Recent Clashes in Bologna**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Conti. The recent clashes in Bologna between anti-fascist groups and far-right demonstrators have escalated tensions in Italian politics. What are the key issues at play here?
**Dr. Conti:** Thank you for having me. The situation in Bologna is a reflection of a much larger conflict within Italian society, particularly regarding the rise of far-right movements and the response from the left. The clash can be seen as a symbolic battle, not just over ideology, but over the legitimacy of public demonstrations that reflect deep-seated political divides.
**Editor:** Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and League leader Matteo Salvini have made strong statements following the violence. How do you interpret their responses?
**Dr. Conti:** Both leaders are leveraging this incident to solidify their political bases. Meloni’s condemnation of the left for “tolerating troublemakers” resonates with her supporters who view the left as weak on security issues. Salvini’s call to close social centers associated with communist groups is aimed at rallying his followers around a platform that emphasizes law and order. This rhetoric captures the fear and unrest prevalent among those who feel threatened by the far-left.
**Editor:** Senate President Ignazio La Russa has also weighed in, suggesting that the left needs to “cut ties” with violent elements. What implications might this have?
**Dr. Conti:** La Russa’s remarks reflect a strategy to push the left to take a more definitive stance against violence, which could potentially alienate some of their more radical supporters. It also shifts the burden of accountability onto them, creating pressure to disassociate from groups that may be engaging in violence under the guise of protest. This could lead to a fracturing within the left and a realignment of alliances in Italian politics.
**Editor:** Do you see the current political climate affecting the broader societal attitudes toward free speech and demonstrations in Italy?
**Dr. Conti:** Absolutely. The violence in Bologna may lead to a chilling effect on lawful demonstrations as authorities may become more cautious in granting permits amid the rising tensions. This might inadvertently stifle legitimate protests while emboldening those who resort to illegal means to make their voices heard. The balancing act between security, free speech, and public safety is becoming increasingly complex.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Conti, for providing insight into these pressing political dynamics. It’s a challenging time for Italy, indeed.
**Dr. Conti:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential for the public to stay informed about these issues as they develop.
