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26.09.2022

IAC response to the election result in Italy

 
 
The election result in Italy is a shocking and saddening event for all survivors of the Holocaust and the heirs of the Resistenza italiana, one of the most important resistance movements against fascism in Europe. The fact that citizens in Italy are putting their trust in the promises of far-right populists and Mussolini’s self-appointed heirs who are taking up their positions to rule, is an alarming sign that the European idea is coming under increasing pressure. Image: 123rf

The election result in Italy is a shocking and saddening event for all survivors of the Holocaust and the heirs of the Resistenza italiana, one of the most important resistance movements against fascism in Europe. The fact that citizens in Italy are putting their trust in the promises of far-right populists and Mussolini’s self-appointed heirs who are taking up their positions to rule, is an alarming sign that the European idea is coming under increasing pressure. Image: 123rf

 

 

 

Speaking at the Auschwitz Memorial, Christoph Heubner, Executive Vice President of the International Auschwitz Committee commented on the result of the Italian election and the foreseeable victory of the Fratelli d’Italia party (FDI) and other far-right parties:

"For all of the survivors of the Holocaust and the heirs of the Resistenza italiana, one of the most important resistance movements against fascism in Europe, this election victory is a shocking and saddening event. The fact that citizens in Italy are putting their trust in the promises of far-right populists and Mussolini’s self-appointed heirs who are taking up their positions to rule the republic, is an alarming sign that the European idea is coming under increasing pressure. Nationalist and populist governments in Europe are patting each other on their backs whilst constantly dealing harsh blows to the European values of diversity, open-mindedness and tolerance.

On this bitter day we are thinking especially of our Italian friends Natalia Ginzburg, Primo Levi and Liliana Segre who, following the darkness of fascism and anti-Semitic murder, contributed so much towards developing Europe as a counterweight to the horrors of the past, and striving for an atmosphere of freedom, tolerance and human dignity. This election victory adds new weight to the experiences and warnings of the survivors of the German concentration and extermination camps: Do not allow Europe to fall into the hands of right-wing extremists. Stand firmly by the vision held by the European resistance. The vision of a Europe of freedom, diversity and tolerance."