A divided City: Pro-EU Presentation and Counter-protests

Bologna, Italy, witnessed a day of fervent political expression as supporters of European unity gathered in Piazza del Nettuno, brandishing blue and yellow EU flags alongside rainbow peace banners. Teh rally, inspired by writer Michele Serra’s call to defend Europe’s democratic principles, aimed to mirror a similar mobilization held recently in Rome. However, the event was shadowed by clashes between police and counter-protesters, highlighting the deep divisions within the city.

Mayors Unite in support of European Ideals

The event saw Bologna and Florence joining forces, with mayors Matteo lepore and Sara Funaro spearheading the mobilization. Their call resonated with a diverse group of citizens,artists,politicians,and cultural figures,who addressed the crowd from a stage near the Sacrario dei Partigiani. Mayor Lepore expressed hope that this event would spark further pro-European initiatives.

“We hope that many others are born from this event,”
matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna

Former Prime Minister Romano Prodi opened the event via video, criticizing the current state of American leadership. He emphasized the importance of European unity in upholding freedom and democracy, stating that Europe now stands as a primary defender of these values. This comes at a time when global democracy is facing challenges, with organizations like Freedom House reporting a decline in global freedom for the past 18 years.

Clashes Erupt as Counter-Protesters March

Together, in Piazza San Francesco, the group Potenza al Popolo organized a counter-demonstration against the European Union’s rearmament plan. Tensions escalated around 4 PM when the counter-protesters attempted to march towards Piazza del Nettuno, resulting in a confrontation with police on Via Ugo Bassi.

Police responded with shields and batons to prevent the counter-protesters from advancing, forcing them to retreat.During the skirmish, a European Union flag was reportedly burned by the demonstrators, symbolizing their opposition to the EU.

Official Reactions: Acknowledgment of Unity, Silence on Conflict

Despite the clashes, Mayor Matteo Lepore released a statement emphasizing the importance of the day for the alliance between Bologna and Florence. He highlighted the event as a demonstration of how cities can mobilize civil society in support of rights and democracy.However, his statement made no mention of the tensions that had unfolded during the day.

“It was an crucial day for the alliance between Bologna and Florence,a day of work and mobilization… Today is important because he speaks of the future and how much cities can make to mobilize civil society and citizens for rights and democracy,”
Matteo Lepore, Mayor of Bologna

Florence’s Mayor sara Funaro echoed Lepore’s sentiments, expressing satisfaction with the collaboration between the two cities. She emphasized the importance of working together on both administrative issues and political messages.

“With the mayor Matteo Lepore and with the whole Bologna junta we started a close collaboration… we are convinced that it is important to collaborate on the one hand on the administrative issues on the other on the messages and political battles we want to carry on, that they are very similar,”
Sara Funaro, Mayor of Florence