A recent controversy erupted on social media when actor and director Michele Riondino posted a photo on Facebook of Senate President Ignazio La Russa with a caption that read, “There aren’t fascists like there used to be, just sheep.” The photo depicted a young La Russa standing next to a poster of Benito Mussolini, holding a bouquet of flowers. The post received backlash from members of the government and the center-right, with the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, condemning it as an “initiative harmful to the institutions.” Riondino later posted the same photo in its original orientation, stating that he wanted to provoke a reaction and challenge the outrage it had caused.
Riondino used the photo to reflect on a time when fascists were more brazen and unapologetic in their beliefs, contrasting them with present-day individuals who he believes are hesitant to identify themselves as fascists. He stated that fascists of the past were like lions, proud and assertive, while those today are more like sheep, afraid to claim their identity. He criticized current leaders who he feels have betrayed their fascist roots and praised those who stood against fascism, celebrating the resistance movements of the past. This interpretation of the photo sparked a debate on social media, with supporters and critics voicing their opinions.
Members of the center-right, including Lucio Malan and Maurizio Gasparri from Fratelli d’Italia and Forza Italia, respectively, expressed solidarity with La Russa and condemned Riondino’s post as disrespectful and seeking cheap publicity. Gian Marco Centinaio, the Vice President of the Senate, accused Riondino of being antidemocratic for passing judgment on others’ democratic credentials. Various politicians and ministers from the Lega and other parties also criticized the post, with Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida calling it an attack on institutions and Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano denouncing the actor’s words as unworthy.
Riondino’s post sparked a heated debate among social media users, with some expressing admiration for the actor while others labeled him a failed filmmaker and warned him of potential repercussions for his comments. The controversy highlighted the ongoing tension surrounding discussions of fascism and political identities in Italy, with differing interpretations of historical figures and movements. The responses to the post reflected deeper divides within Italian society, with some defending La Russa and others supporting Riondino’s right to critique and challenge political figures. The incident also raised questions about the boundaries of free speech and public discourse in a democratic society.
Overall, the social media post by Michele Riondino featuring a photo of Senate President Ignazio La Russa sparked a heated debate among politicians, public figures, and social media users in Italy. The post, which compared present-day politicians to historical fascists, received backlash from members of the government and the center-right, who condemned it as disrespectful and harmful to institutions. Riondino’s commentary on fascism, resistance, and political leadership ignited a larger conversation about historical memory, political identities, and the legacy of fascism in Italy. The incident revealed deeper societal divisions and differing attitudes towards historical figures and movements, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of these discussions in contemporary Italy.
