Meloni's Controversial Rejection of the Ventotene Manifesto Stirs Opposition Outcry
During a heated debate in the Italian Lower House on Wednesday, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sparked significant backlash from opposition members after dismissing the Manifesto of Ventotene as not representative of her vision for Europe. The Manifesto, originally issued in 1941 amid World War II as a call for a united Europe, has historically been a cornerstone for proponents of European federalism.
In her remarks, Meloni stated, "I don't know if this is your Europe but it's certainly not mine," directing her comments at the opposition members who referenced the historic document in support of a pro-European stance during an earlier demonstration. This event was organized by journalist Michele Serra, and according to Meloni, many participants and opposition leaders cited the Manifesto during their speeches. She expressed concern, saying, "I hope they haven't read it because the alternative would be scary."
The geographical significance of Ventotene, where two of the future European Union's founding figures, Altiero Spinelli and Ernesto Rossi, were imprisoned by the Fascist regime, further complicates the issue. They penned the Manifesto during their detention, advocating for a federation of European states with the aim of preventing future conflicts.
The Prime Minister's dismissal of the Manifesto led to protests within the chamber, as members of the center-left opposition—such as Democratic Left MP Federico Fornaro—stood and shouted, demanding accountability and respect for the historical document. Fornaro argued, "The Manifesto of Ventotene is a hymn to federal Europe against nationalisms that produced two wars, and using it in this way is unacceptable." His sentiment was echoed by Marco Grimaldi from the GreenLeft Alliance and Alfonso Colucci of the Five Star Movement, who expressed disbelief at Meloni's remarks on the historic text. Colucci stated, "Shame that there is no space for Fascism anymore," emphasizing a stark rejection of any association with extreme ideologies.
Speaker Lorenzo Fontana was compelled to temporarily halt the session twice due to the uproar from opposition members. In the aftermath, he called for decorum among lawmakers and reminded them to honor past sacrifices made for freedom of expression.
Later in the day, Meloni shared her speech on social media, inviting public judgment on her views regarding the Manifesto. In her address, she referenced content from the text, asserting that the European revolution must be socialist and that democratic practice historically falters in transformative eras that necessitate the creation of institutions rather than mere administration.
This confrontation in the Italian Parliament not only underscores the deepening divide between Meloni's government and opposition parties but also highlights the continuing relevance and emotional weight of the Ventotene Manifesto in current European political discussions.
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