WTI Magazine #65    2015 July, 24
Author : Francesca Papasergi      Translation by:

The Curia Iulia, the ancient Senate building, is still there, among the Forum's glorious relics. Along with the Athenian Boule and Ekklesia, it is one of the most influencing political institution ever, something that gave birth to politics as a synonym of collective decisions for the common good. A few yards apart, the current mayor of Rome, Ignazio Marino, faces the city's worst crisis since the end of WWII.

Unfortunately, he seems not to be good enough to succeed, but who would be? The city's issues are heavy and very well known. Lately, Romans became less and less tolerant with their administration, too sick and tired to live in a perennial state of emergency. Part of their disappointment turned into racism against refugees from Africa.

Everywhere people usually blame strangers when things go wrong, especially in depressed, poor area: given the massive amount of wrong Italians endure on a daily basis, in spite of the highest tax rates in Europe, this is not surprising, even if it's not a good excuse at all. In the wake of the protests, the populist, right-wing parties are enhancing their basis.

Rome is not an isolated case: in Treviso, Veneto, some people assaulted a condo that had been prepared for refugees. They burned the furniture, and the refugees have been sent to another destination. The Northern League supported this loathing initiative, and Matteo Salvini, the leader and spokesman, is not ashamed of it. Considering the outcome in terms of image damage for Treviso, he definitely should be.

Yes, something is rotten in the state of Italy, but there is more solidarity than hate. When refugees from Syria were at the Central railway station in Milan, the city was so warm with them that volunteers asked people to stop bringing clothes and food: the help was overwhelming their expectation. In some small villages, like Almese, in Piedmont, the communities are helping refugees to go back to normal, teaching them Italian and organizing several activities to discover their professional skills.

The help is not one-sided. Refugees and immigrants helped Veneto's inhabitants after a tornado that destroyed monuments, buildings and farms in Treviso's province. "We know how it's like to lose everything", they told journalists.

Italy can't be the only destination of immigrants and refugees. Actually it's not at all: the majority wants to leave for Northern Europe, UK and France. Unfortunately, the EU system of solidarity is not working properly, and too many people are stuck in a country they don't want to live in.

Italy is a nation of immigrants: in the last 5 years, more than 500.000 young, highly skilled, disenchanted Italians booked a one-way ticket and left. In the last 150 years, millions of Italians literally fled their homeland, headed to a better fortune. Many of them went to the US and created the successful, beautiful nation we all know now.

We should remember how it used to be for us. Many people should visit places like Ellis Island and learn what immigration meant to Italians. Many others already know, and they show respect and support to the ones in need. They are the largest, better part of this country.