The Saturday that should have marked the end of the election campaign in Bologna turned into a day of violence and demonstrations. The events were triggered by the authorization of a demonstration by the Rete dei Patrioti and Casapound, scheduled for the afternoon, despite opposition from the Municipality. The choice of location, Piazza XX Settembre, raised concerns, given its proximity to the central station and the massacre of August 2, 1980. The Bologna anti-fascist network quickly organized a counter-demonstration, defining the meeting of neo-fascist groups as an unacceptable provocation.
In the morning, the ANPI called a rally in Piazza del Nettuno, in front of the partisans' shrine. During the event, the leaders of the Democratic Party and the Italian Left, Elly Schlein and Nicola Fratoianni, together with representatives of the 5 Star Movement, reiterated the importance of the values of the Resistance. Schlein underlined the need to commit to participation and emancipation, especially for those who live in difficult situations. In the afternoon, the Patriots Network rally was greeted with insults and liquids thrown from windows along the route. However, the march stopped in front of the riot police cordon, while anti-fascist participants chanted “Bella ciao” and shouted slogans against right-wing extremists. During these clashes, three police officers suffered minor injuries.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi condemned the attacks on law enforcement, urging political forces to distance themselves from violent behavior. On the other hand, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini described the anti-fascist protesters as “hundreds of red delinquents”, highlighting a climate of growing political tension. Ahead of the regional elections on October 17 and 18, the main candidates are gearing up for a busy final week. Elena Ugolini of the center-right will receive the support of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a joint event. Michele de Pascale of the center-left will also have a busy agenda, although without official demonstrations with all the national leaders of his coalition. The current situation in Bologna reflects the deep divisions that characterize not only the local but also the national political landscape. With elections looming, future developments could significantly influence the public debate on the topic of security and tolerance.
Last Saturday of Election Campaign in Bologna: Clashes and Mobilizations The Saturday that should have marked the end of the election campaign in Bologna turned into a day of tension and conflict.
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