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In the heart of Italy, on August 2, 1980, a tragic event unfolded at Bologna’s central railway station. A bomb explosion claimed the lives of 85 innocent souls and left over 200 injured. Four decades later, on its 45th anniversary, the Italian government continues to condemn the Bologna massacre as an act of right-wing terrorism deeply damaging to Italian society.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella characterised the massacre as a dark chapter linked to neo-fascist extremist violence, underscoring the indelible mark of inhumanity it has left on the nation's identity. The current government, in its official stance, affirms the role of neo-fascist subversion in the tragedy and reiterates its commitment to reaching the full truth about the massacre.
Commemorations typically involve public speeches, moments of silence, and acknowledgement of the state’s commitment to justice and historical memory. However, not everyone is satisfied with the government's efforts. Paolo Bolognesi, the outgoing president of the association of relatives of the victims, criticises certain characters for not talking about the massacre and pretending nothing happened. He particularly calls out President Meloni for not acknowledging and condemning the fascist roots of the Bologna massacre.
Elly Schlein, the PD secretary, echoes Bolognesi's sentiments, urging the government to read the verdicts that confirm the fascist nature of the Bologna massacre. Yet, Minister Bernini disagrees with any reference made by Bolognesi to the present or the current government in relation to the Bologna massacre. She rejects any connection between the horror of the Bologna massacre and the present government.
The issue of accountability remains a contentious one, with Paolo Bolognesi pointing out that the material executors of the Bologna massacre have been free for years, despite being multiple life-sentenced and never repentant. This concern was echoed by protesters during the ceremony, with the first protest due to the belief that the government does not show solidarity with the victims.
Amidst the criticism, Minister Bernini, who represented the government during the ceremony, commented that she will do everything possible to make the sentences public and give the right compensation to the families of the victims. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, while defining the Bologna massacre as one of the darkest pages of Italy's history, never uses the word "fascist" in connection with it.
The complexities of Italy's past continue to resonate, with the Bologna massacre serving as a stark reminder of the country's turbulent history during the Years of Lead. As the nation reflects on this dark chapter, calls for justice and accountability persist, urging the government to confront the legacy of right-wing terrorism and reject fascist and neo-fascist ideologies more forcefully.
- The current Italian government, in its official stance, affirms the role of neo-fascist subversion in the Bologna massacre and reiterates its commitment to reaching the full truth about the massacre, but Minister Bernini disagrees with any reference to the present government in relation to the Bologna massacre.
- Elly Schlein, the PD secretary, urges the government to read the verdicts that confirm the fascist nature of the Bologna massacre, echoing the concern of Paolo Bolognesi that the material executors of the Bologna massacre have been free for years, despite being multiple life-sentenced and never repentant.
