The author Antonio Scurati was invited to give a speech on Italian public television in honor of the anniversary of the liberation of Italy from fascism and Nazism on April 25th. However, his speech, which focused on the importance of acknowledging and addressing fascism, was canceled. This sparked a debate on historical memory in Italy, particularly in light of the rise of Giorgia Meloni’s political party, which has roots in the fascist regime. The clash between anti-fascist values and the far-right tradition has reopened old wounds in Italian society.
Antonio Scurati’s view of anti-fascism is rooted in the victory of the Italian resistance fighters against the fascist regime during the civil war in the 1940s. These resistance fighters, representing various political ideologies, ultimately played a key role in shaping the republican constitution of Italy. The Communist Party, a dominant force in the resistance, was later sidelined due to Italy’s alignment with the West. Despite this, they have retained a powerful political culture centered around the memory of their anti-fascist struggle.
The legacy of anti-fascism has been embraced by various groups in Italian society throughout history. From the radical left of the 1970s to modern-day intellectuals and the National Association of Italian Partisans, there is a strong commitment to remembering and honoring the anti-fascist struggle. This is evident in the annual celebrations on April 25th, where slogans like “Long live the anti-fascist Republic” are proudly displayed. The memory of the anti-fascist victory remains a powerful symbol for those who fought against totalitarianism.
On the other hand, the losers of the war, represented by the Italian Social Movement (MSI) founded in 1946, have constructed a different narrative rooted in the romanticism of defeat. The neo-fascists view themselves as loyal to Mussolini and the German allies, presenting themselves as the custodians of a lost cause. However, they have been relegated to the fringes of Italian politics, unable to significantly impact the mainstream political landscape. Their focus on anti-communism has not translated into tangible political influence.
The clash between the anti-fascist tradition and the far-right ideology has become more pronounced with the ascent of Giorgia Meloni’s party. The absence of a clear denunciation of fascism from the current Italian leadership has reignited concerns about the resurfacing of fascist ideals in the country. The unresolved tensions surrounding Italy’s historical memory continue to shape political discourse and societal attitudes, highlighting the ongoing importance of acknowledging and confronting the country’s past. Ultimately, the debate over anti-fascism represents a larger struggle for the soul of Italian democracy and its commitment to human rights and freedom.
