Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned the “unworthy images coming from Milan,” denouncing what she called self-proclaimed “pro-Palestinian,” “antifa,” and “pacifist” groups who devastated a railway station and clashed with police. In a social media post, Meloni stated that the violence and destruction have nothing to do with solidarity and will not change the situation for people in Gaza “one iota,” but will have concrete consequences for Italian citizens who will end up paying for the damage. She expressed support for the police forces, who she said were subjected to the “arrogance and gratuitous violence of these pseudo-protesters,” and called for clear words of condemnation from strike organizers and all political forces.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s sentiments, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani commented on X that blocking highways, stations, and ports and attacking police does not help the Palestinian civilian population. He described the “serious behavior” as damaging to the economy and driving away tourists, actions he stated have nothing to do with the constitutional right to strike. Tajani affirmed his solidarity with the police and noted that from New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly, the government is working to help the Palestinian people and build peace in the Middle East.
Senate President Ignazio La Russa spoke of police, citizens, and workers being “taken hostage” by the occupation of highways and railway stations and the “unacceptable violence of hundreds of delinquents who claim to be pacifists.” He said that from Milan to Rome, via Bologna and other cities, the actions witnessed have nothing to do with protesting for Gaza and should be condemned by “all, and I repeat all.” La Russa expressed “strong, true, sincere solidarity” with the attacked police, citizens, and PM Meloni, whom he said was once again the victim of “vile threats.”
The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, also affirmed his “solidarity with the citizens, the police, and the President of the Council, Giorgia Meloni,” condemning the “vandalism, violent gestures, and hateful language” which, he said, overshadow the motivation and legitimacy of any demonstration. Lombardy Region President Attilio Fontana stated that these are situations that should never occur and that he stands with the police, adding that “guerrilla warfare and violence are not the best tools” to communicate ideas.
Milan’s Mayor Giuseppe Sala also condemned the violence, stating that the vandalism caused by “violent fringes” is unjustifiable and does not help the cause of Gaza. He noted that in recent weeks, Milan has hosted very well-attended demonstrations in defense of the Palestinian cause that were always peaceful.
Meanwhile, the opposition forcefully criticized the government’s refusal to report to Parliament on its stance regarding the Palestinian issue. Paolo Ciani, vice-president of the Democratic Party (PD) group in the Chamber, denounced it as “extremely serious” that the government has not made itself available to explain Italy’s position ahead of important international summits and European votes. He stated the opposition would use all parliamentary tools to halt voting until the government commits to addressing Parliament, calling it “intolerable” for the executive to ignore a unified request from all opposition parties. Ciani argued that a government that ignores Parliament and leaves Italians in the dark on foreign policy “betrays democracy,” and demanded that PM Meloni clearly state where Italy stands.
In response to the pressure, it has been learned that Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani will deliver communications on the situation in Gaza to Parliament on Thursday, October 2nd, addressing the Chamber of Deputies in the morning and the Senate in the afternoon.
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