On March 19, 2025, controversy erupted in the Italian Chamber of Deputies as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni cited passages from the Manifesto of Ventotene, expressing her disapproval of its ideological stance. During her remarks, she stated, "I don’t know if this is your Europe, but it certainly isn’t mine," raising the ire of opposition members.
The session, which initially aimed to discuss Meloni's position ahead of the European Council meetings slated for March 20 and 21, quickly descended into chaos as deputies shouted in protest. Federico Fornaro of the Partito Democratico (PD) demanded respect, while others expressed their indignation, noting that the Manifesto, authored by anti-fascist activists Altiero Spinelli and Ernesto Rossi, represents the foundational values of a united Europe.
In her address, Meloni quoted several points from the Manifesto, including calls for socialism and the abolition of private property, which she criticized as not aligning with her vision for Europe. Her controversial comments triggered a backlash from various political factions who accused her of attempting to rewrite history.
Marco Grimaldi, representing Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra (Avs), stated he felt deeply offended by Meloni's remarks, asserting, “This country, this democracy, this Constitution was born partly from Ventotene.” He insisted that the Manifesto symbolizes the struggle for freedom and against totalitarianism.
Meloni’s speech also included comments about a phone conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, suggesting that a partial ceasefire might be on the table, a point she framed positively. However, that particular remark was overshadowed by her stance on the Manifesto.
The heated debates extended beyond Meloni's comments, with opposition leaders calling for an apology from the Prime Minister. Elly Schlein of the PD expressed outrage, stating that Meloni had disrespected the legacy of those who fought against fascism. “You cannot trivialize the memory of those who sacrificed for democracy,” she asserted.
In response to the mounting chaos, Chamber President Lorenzo Fontana suspended the session multiple times due to the uproar. The incident highlighted not only the divide between the ruling party and opposition forces but also the tensions surrounding Italy’s position within Europe during a period of geopolitical instability.
Before the session ended, Meloni attempted to clarify her position, stating her unwavering commitment to Italy's autonomy in international relations. She emphasized her role as Prime Minister and the need for a robust defense policy, especially in light of recent global events.
Despite attempts to shift focus back to matters of governance and policy, opposition forces were determined to hold Meloni accountable for her comments on the Manifesto of Ventotene, signaling an ongoing ideological battle within the Italian political landscape.
As the political environment remains charged and contentious, the future of Italian leadership and its relationship with both national values and European unity continues to be called into question.
