It had been said for days that it would be a mistake. But Casapound and the so-called Patriot Network were still allowed to demonstrate in Bologna, moreover in a symbolic place like Via Gramsci, a few steps from the station square, the scene of the neo-fascist crowd on 2 August 1980. of course, the Bolognese ‘took it as motivation and called for many demonstrations to support the democratic and anti-fascist identity of the city. Mayor Matteo Lepore himself had been trying for days to move the neo-fascist march, without success.
However, the response of the people of Bologna was great: three well-attended marches continued during the day and the fascists of the third millennium, not even a century, remained blocked in via Boldrini. The paradox, however, is that the police accused the anti-fascists and not the far-right militants who had a good time playing the victims: “Cities cannot be held hostage by social centers”, shouted they into the megaphone wrapped in three colors. flags. Meanwhile, the rest of the city tried to respond to the offense by meeting.
The first demonstration, organized by Anpi and CGIL, took place this morning in Piazza del Nettuno with the participation of Nicola Fratoianni of Avs and the secretary of the Democratic Party Elly Schlein. “As a Bolognese – said the dem – I don’t think it was the right choice to show the real right a few meters from Bologna station, which is still an open wound”. In the afternoon, while the city center was being shut down, anarchists and congregations gathered in a procession. 200 of the first (many very young) marched through the streets of Bolognina and then crossed the Galliera bridge and reached Via Irnerio to return to the starting point. However, the latter marched through the city center singing “Bella Ciao”. «The square could not be given to Casapound and the “patriots” and if the government decided to grant it to them it was right to oppose it, in Bologna it will not happen», said a participant during the procession, up of more than 1,500 people, also seen the deputy mayor Emily Clancy and the Civic Coalition councilor Detjon Begaj speaking on “stimulation that should be avoided”.
Tension was recorded with the police in riot gear when a group tried to reach the far right garrison by coming down from Montagnola park, among objects and throwing firecrackers. Several demonstrators suffered minor injuries as did three policemen, according to what was reported by police headquarters this evening (according to recent procedure). Despite the evidence, the Police Commissioner Sbordone also congratulated himself for being ”guaranteed the right to demonstrate to everyone” despite ”the disproportion of the troublemakers compared to the officers, who attack in a cowardly way”. Where the troublemakers were anti-fascists and not the patriots who could “declare victory” at the end of the evening because they managed to “take the square”. Also strongly supporting the League and the Prime Minister’s party, FdI, who used the events as an aid to the Security Bill. «It is essential to immediately approve the security package which contains basic rules to protect our extraordinary operators in uniform», announced the Undersecretary of the Interior, Molteni (Lega).
And while the local right demands that Clancy and Begaj “get out of office immediately”, Salvini points to a legendary narrative about the “hundreds of red criminals” who would “hunt the policeman”. “For red criminals the prison is the right place”, said the Minister of Transport, while also asking a question about the candidate for the centre-left in the regional elections next Sunday: “I want to see if Mr. De Pascale will condemn and Mrs. Schlein”. Even the Minister of the Interior, Piantedosi, put his responsibilities on the opposition, whom he asked to “put themselves away”.
The reaction of the city is, however, very different: « Bologna won – Làbas activists wrote – the city expressed itself in different forms, mobilizing thousands of people against the government of Meloni who wanted to impose the fascists in front of the station bomb, on the eightieth anniversary of the battle of Porta Lame”.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Anti-Fascism Expert, Dr. Marco Rossi
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Rossi! Thank you for joining us today. The recent neo-fascist demonstration in Bologna has sparked a significant response from the community and an intense debate on the right to protest. Can you start by giving us some context on this event?
Dr. Rossi: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The demonstration by Casapound and the Patriot Network in Bologna has deep historical roots. The location, Via Gramsci, is particularly symbolic due to its proximity to the tragic events of 2 August 1980, when a neo-fascist bombing killed 85 people at the Bologna train station. Allowing such a march so close to this site is provocative, to say the least.
Editor: It seems the city of Bologna responded with remarkable unity against the demonstration. What can you tell us about the community’s reaction?
Dr. Rossi: The response was both powerful and organized. Demonstrations led by groups such as Anpi and CGIL brought together thousands who reaffirmed Bologna’s democratic and anti-fascist identity. It was a clear message that the community stands firm against the resurgence of neo-fascist ideologies. In fact, turnout for these counter-demonstrations showed an overwhelming commitment to these values.
Editor: Interestingly, there were some frustrations with law enforcement’s approach, particularly their focus on the anti-fascist protesters instead of the far-right demonstrators. How do you interpret this?
Dr. Rossi: That’s a critical issue. It’s not uncommon for law enforcement to adopt a neutral stance towards opposing sides during protests, but in this case, it seems that the anti-fascists were targeted despite the provocations coming from the far-right. This is concerning because it suggests a misunderstanding of the underlying power dynamics. The anti-fascists were responding to a well-documented threat, while the police should recognize the legitimate concerns of those who oppose fascism.
Editor: The involvement of political figures such as Matteo Lepore and Elly Schlein suggests that local governance is also engaged in this discourse. How important do you think political leadership is in moments like these?
Dr. Rossi: Political leadership plays a massive role during such critical times. By actively participating and vocalizing their opposition to neo-fascism, leaders can galvanize public sentiment and reinforce community values. Schlein’s remarks highlight the lasting impact of historical wounds and the need for vigilance against any reemergence of these ideologies. It’s essential that leaders do more than just condemn hate; they must also ensure that their actions support the community’s fight against it.
Editor: As we look toward the future, what do you see as the next steps for Bologna and similar cities in safeguarding democracy?
Dr. Rossi: The key lies in continued vigilance and proactive measures. Communities must maintain open dialogues about the dangers of far-right ideologies and promote anti-fascist education. Additionally, supporting grassroots movements that foster inclusivity and diversity is crucial. Engaging youth in democratic processes can help prevent the normalizing of hate narratives. Ultimately, solidarity is our greatest weapon against the tide of extremism.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for your insights today. It’s clear that the fight against extremism is far from over, and the resilience of Bologna and its citizens will be key to maintaining their democratic values.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope Bologna’s commitment serves as an example for other cities facing similar challenges.
