On April 27, 2025, a significant discussion unfolded on the Italian television program Piazzapulita, where journalist Gad Lerner revealed the reasons behind his departure from the newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano. Lerner expressed his growing discomfort with the editorial stance of the publication, which he believes has become too lenient towards controversial figures like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, as well as right-wing movements across Europe.
During the broadcast, hosted by Corrado Formigli, Lerner articulated his feelings of being "a fish out of water" due to the newspaper's editorial line, which he sees as increasingly dismissive of progressive ideas. He voiced concern over what he perceives as a minimization of the dangers posed by the rise of right-wing politics, particularly in Italy under the leadership of Giorgia Meloni, as well as in France and Germany.
"I felt a prolonged discomfort," Lerner stated, emphasizing his belief that Il Fatto Quotidiano has adopted a dangerously indulgent stance toward figures who represent a threat to democratic values. He criticized the paper's portrayal of leaders like Trump and Putin as potential harbingers of peace, a narrative he finds troubling.
Lerner's departure from the publication marks a notable shift in his career. He had previously described his joining of Il Fatto Quotidiano as a necessary choice following the end of his tenure with Repubblica. However, the increasing ideological distance from the newspaper's current direction compelled him to leave. "I felt uncomfortable with the idea that Trump and Putin were bringing peace to the world," he explained, underscoring the disconnect he felt with the publication's editorial choices.
Interestingly, Lerner's criticisms extend beyond just the international arena. He pointed out what he considers a dismissive attitude toward progressivism within the paper, which he believes is essential for countering authoritarianism and extremist movements in various national and European contexts.
Following his announcement, Lerner's exit did not elicit significant public reactions from the editorial staff of Il Fatto Quotidiano. As of now, there is no confirmation regarding Lerner's future editorial projects or collaborations, as he has chosen to focus on articulating the personal and political motivations behind his decision.
In a separate but equally pressing context, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with devastating consequences for civilians. As of February 24, 2022, over 13,000 civilians, including 618 children, have been reported killed due to the war. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal recently highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that Russian forces have conducted approximately 1,700 attacks on schools and over 780 on hospitals, alongside more than 30 massive assaults on power plants across Ukraine.
Shmyhal's grim report sheds light on the daily reality faced by Ukrainians, with over 100 clashes occurring on the front lines each day. The situation has drawn international attention, as the humanitarian crisis deepens amid ongoing military actions.
In the context of the media narrative surrounding the conflict, there have been accusations against Italian pro-Russian commentators, including Marco Travaglio, who have allegedly shifted blame for civilian casualties onto the Ukrainian Resistance. This controversial stance has sparked outrage and debate about the responsibilities of various parties involved in the conflict.
In a related commentary, Marco Taradash addressed the media's handling of the situation, criticizing the tendency to absolve groups like Hamas of responsibility for their actions in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Taradash's observations underscore the complexities of media narratives in times of war, where accountability can become a contentious issue.
The juxtaposition of Lerner's departure from Il Fatto Quotidiano and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine highlights the broader struggles within journalism to maintain integrity and truth in a rapidly changing political landscape. As journalists grapple with their roles in shaping public discourse, the challenges they face become increasingly pronounced.
As the situation continues to evolve, the intersection of media, politics, and human rights remains critical. The voices of journalists like Gad Lerner and the narratives surrounding conflicts such as the one in Ukraine play a vital role in informing public opinion and shaping the future of democratic discourse.
