Italy's Post-Fascist Journey: A Vacation from Fear
A Perspective by Thomas Schmoll
Escaping Post-Fascist Anxiety During a Holiday in Italy
Who'd pass up a trip to Italy just because the prime minister has some beef with the EU and Germany? Not about to let a political discrepancy hinder that Instagram-worthy selfie in front of the Vatican, even if it's with the Pope himself! At home, one might argue for an AfD ban as some form of reparation.
Unlike Greta Thunberg, I, a noteworthy character and one of the last remaining bon vivants of our great republic, wasn't invited to the Republica again this year. No dramatic outcries like, "Democracy is burning," or, "Control the narratives, control reality." No, "Build up, build up, free the youth" for me. But Greta? She took the Republica25 stage as her grand debut. A glimpse into what the future holds for her! "Thinking of spending my semester abroad at Sorbonne in Paris or Zurich University of the Arts," she said. "Any recommendations on decision-making?"
Long Live the Alarmist!
Does Germany have to be in a shambles for youngsters, the newest or last generation, to be saddled with crises to conquer? I genuinely cheer for them, and I'd be happy to lend a hand, advice-wise. I find Switzerland overly stuffy and Zurich exorbitantly expensive. I adore France, with Paris as my all-time favorite city. So, Paris it is. Even though it's costly, Zurich can feel excessively polished. I've got around 25 Parisian rendezvous under my belt, and I'm always fascinated anew! Just taking in Whistler's magnificent portrait of his mother, Courbet's "The Origin of the World," and Caillebotte’s floor polishers at the Musée d'Orsay is worth the trip. For my carbon footprint, I largely opt for public transportation in Berlin and try my best to minimize my flatulence.
Political Shift and Human Rights Conventions
Italy's politically charged landscape under Giorgia Meloni, a leader of the post-fascist party Brothers of Italy (Fratelli d’Italia), is experiencing a shift in governance and a spike in debates around citizenship, immigration, and labor rights. Since her election as Prime Minister, Meloni has been firm on reducing irregular immigration while paradoxically increasing legal migrant work visas. This nuanced approach to migration policy indicates a more intricate strategy than initially suspected.
Public Opinion and Governmental Power
Meloni's government appears to be politically robust, despite controversy and opposition attempts to contest its policies. The center-left Democratic Party (PD) had hoped to capitalize on the citizenship and labor rights referendum to rally working-class support, but the referendum's failed due to low voter turnout—a move many view as a victory for Meloni and a setback for the left. Public opinion is polarized, with supporters of Meloni's government typically against easing immigration policies, while some sector of society advocates for more inclusive citizenship laws and worker protections.
The Failure of the Referendum and the State of Democracy
The referendum aimed to reduce the residency requirement for non-EU adult residents from 10 to 5 years for citizenship application, paving the way for easier access to citizenship. It also aimed to bolster protections for workers in precarious positions. However, the referendum's failure, due to a voter turnout that fell short of the 50% threshold, is seen as a manifestation of both Meloni’s government’s political strength and a broader democratic malaise in Italy, with low turnout reflecting either public disengagement or calculated boycott strategies.
Post-Fascism in Italy: A Nuanced Perspective
While the Brothers of Italy party has roots in post-fascist movements, it seeks to distance itself from overt fascist symbolism while maintaining nationalist and conservative rhetoric. Under Meloni, the party focuses on "Italian identity," law and order, and traditional values, which resonates with a significant segment of the electorate but draws criticism from progressives and the left.
Living with Ambivalences
Caution for inner equilibrium or political satisfaction before the specter of post-fascism in Germany? It's justifiable to demand a ban for the Alternative for the Crazies, refrain from traveling to the U.S. and avoiding WhatsApp to annoy the AfD. But abandoning Italy? A short-term exception may be acceptable as we all cope with our inner conflicts. Wouldn't a villa in Italy be splendid? Especially now that the Italian riffraff is exiting the scene, leaving plenty of one-euro shacks in remote areas for the taking? Everyone must face their ambivalences as they see fit.
The Future Awaits: Italy Attracts German Talents
My trip took me to a mountain village near Lake Como, close to where Mussolini, his lover, and other fascist scum met their demise. Every day from my balcony, I watched German vacationers attack the local trattoria and hiking trails. Despite appearances, I'm confident I wasn't the only German who didn't vote for the AfD. There were, for instance, the three jovial women who proclaimed themselves feminists and firmly believed in the existence of more than two genders. They thought capitalism was an offshoot of post-fascist hell. Italy felt familiar, as always. Berlin upon my return, however, showed little change. There was the teacher told, according to protocol, that a student exclaimed, "You're gay, get away from here. Islam is the boss here." And there was the Green Party member of parliament declaring that homophobia was not a marginal issue, a cultural conflict, or an imported issue, but deeply entrenched in our society, from religious communities to schoolyards and parliaments. Crystal clear, it has nothing to do with Islam, but with the evil that exists everywhere in the world—certainly in Italy. Yet, I'll return to Italy come springtime, barring an insistence that I deliver a lecture on democracy preservation.
- Even though Italy's political landscape under Giorgia Meloni might raise concerns about immigration and labor rights, it should not deter one from enjoying a lifestyle vacation, as public transportation in cities like Rome and Florence are readily available, and the country's rich art and cultural heritage still offer a travel experience worth exploring.
- Despite the political shift towards post-fascism in Italy, the current democratic malaise, and the failed referendum on citizenship and labor rights, the country still attracts German talents in various fields, such as arts and academics, reflecting the universal desire for personal and professional growth, regardless of political differences.
