Varese MP in Forno di Massa: “Nazi-fascist shame cannot be normalised”

Context

TL;DR

• Varese MP Ferrara commemorated Forno massacre in 2026.
• 60 civilians killed by Nazi-Fascists in 1944.
• Ferrara criticized politicization of historical memory.

Key facts

• Massacro: 60 civili uccisi da nazifascisti
• Quando: 13 settembre 1944
• Dove: Forno, provincia di Massa-Carrara
• Chi: Truppe tedesche e miliziani della Decima Mas
• Commemorazione: 10 aprile 2026
• Partecipanti: Antonio Ferrara e altri deputati M5S
• Sanzioni: Ferrara e 21 colleghi sospesi per 5 giorni
• Controversia: Conferenza su 'remigration' annullata

On April 10, 2026, marking the 82nd anniversary of the Liberation of the province of Massa-Carrara, Varese MP Antonio Ferrara of the Five Star Movement (M5S) traveled to Forno, a hamlet that was the site of one of the most brutal Nazi-Fascist massacres. In 1944, German troops and members of the Decima Mas (X MAS) slaughtered sixty civilians as retaliation for the partisan proclamation of the ‘Free Republic of Forno’. Ferrara attended the commemoration alongside other lawmakers who, at the end of January, had prevented a confrontation with far-right figures in Parliament.

The protest by Five Star deputies erupted after news emerged of a conference on ‘remigration’ organized by League MP Domenico Furgiele, which far-right groups were expected to attend. The event was canceled after opposition lawmakers occupied the room: 31 MPs sat or positioned themselves around the speakers’ podium to block the gathering. As a result, Ferrara and 21 colleagues received a five-day suspension from the Chamber of Deputies’ presidency, while ten other MPs were sanctioned with a four-day suspension for filling all available seats.

During the commemoration in Forno, Ferrara spoke alongside Riccardo Ricciardi, the M5S group leader in the Chamber, delivering a scathing critique of the politicization of historical memory. ‘There are places where memory cannot be treated as folklore or reduced to a PR stunt. Forno is one of those places,’ he stated. The MP emphasized that ‘here, we are not recalling abstractions, but facts, responsibilities, blood, and victims.’ He also warned of ‘a growing climate of normalization for nostalgic and neo-Fascist circles, even within public and institutional debate.’

The Forno massacre: a slaughter without justice

On September 13, 1944, after days of partisan resistance, German forces and Decima Mas militiamen broke through Forno’s defenses. House-to-house raids followed. German soldiers and Decima Mas fascists executed sixty civilians, including women and the elderly, in one of the war’s most brutal reprisals. The village was razed to the ground, and only a handful of survivors managed to flee into the woods. For decades, the massacre was forgotten until a commemorative plaque in 2003 reignited collective memory.

Ferrara stressed that ‘the Decima Mas is not a culture to exhume: it is a shame to remember.’ His remarks come amid an increasingly heated debate in Italy over the public use of history and the presence of Fascist-era symbols and references within institutions.

Institutional reactions and controversies

The suspensions of Ferrara and his colleagues sparked cross-party controversy. While the Five Star Movement defended the move as opposition to ‘dangerous ideologies,’ the League condemned it as an ‘attack on freedom of thought.’ League MP Furgiele, the organizer of the canceled conference, accused the Five Star deputies of ‘censoring democratic debate.’

Meanwhile, in Forno, the commemoration was seen as an act of redemption. ‘This is a place where memory must remain alive, not a political battleground,’ declared a representative of the local ANPI (National Association of Italian Partisans). The presence of Ferrara and other MPs shone a light on a dark chapter of Italian history, often overlooked in school textbooks and public discourse.

📊 Key takeaway: The Forno massacre remains a stark reminder of the brutality of Nazi-Fascist repression, yet its legacy continues to fuel debates over memory, justice, and the boundaries of free speech in Italy.

⚠️ Context: The controversy over the canceled ‘remigration’ conference highlights rising tensions over far-right influence in Italian politics and institutions.

Operational details

The events in Ferrara and the Forno massacre spark broader reflections on the role of historical memory in contemporary society, particularly in a context like Ticino, where daily coexistence among diverse cultures and histories is the norm. For cross-border workers who cross the border between Lombardy and Ticino every day, this episode serves as a reminder of how the past can resurface unexpectedly, even decades later.

Historical memory: a tool for cohesion or division?

The commemoration of Forno coincides with a period in Europe marked by the resurgence of political movements claiming ideologies tied to fascism or Nazism. In Italy, the 1952 Scelba Law prohibits the reconstitution of the Fascist Party, yet the presence of symbols and references to that era in public discourse remains a subject of debate. Ferrara’s actions underscore how certain themes cannot be treated lightly, especially in a country founded on an antifascist Constitution.

For cross-border workers in Ticino, this discussion takes on particular significance. Canton Ticino, with its history of neutrality and openness, stands at the crossroads of cultures where historical memory can serve as both a unifying and divisive force. The presence of generations-old Italian and Swiss communities living side by side makes the reflection on these themes even more urgent.

Impact on Ticino’s political debate

While Ferrara’s case primarily concerns Italian politics, its echoes have been felt beyond national borders. In Ticino, where immigration and identity are often at the heart of public debate, discussions on how to manage historical memory take on added relevance. Canton Ticino, long committed to upholding human rights, may be called upon to take a stand on similar initiatives involving symbols or ideologies linked to fascism.

The controversy over ‘remigration’ and the legitimization of far-right environments in Italian politics raises questions for Switzerland as well. On one hand, the country has a tradition of neutrality and respect for diversity, but on the other, the presence of foreign communities and coexistence with different cultures demand constant vigilance against the risks of extremist trends. In this context, historical memory becomes a fundamental tool for preventing the repetition of past mistakes.

📊 Key takeaway: Historical memory is not just about the past—it is a living tool that shapes our present and future, especially in multicultural societies like Ticino.

What changes for cross-border workers?

From a practical standpoint, Ferrara’s case does not immediately alter the situation for cross-border workers in Ticino. However, it sends an important signal about how Italian political debates can influence the local context. For transborder commuters who cross the border daily, historical awareness becomes an element of safeguarding their own identity and the values underpinning coexistence between Italy and Switzerland.

Moreover, the discussion on historical memory could lead to awareness-raising initiatives in Ticino’s schools or public events involving cross-border workers. These moments could provide opportunities to strengthen dialogue between communities and promote a shared culture of remembrance.

⚠️ Food for thought: Cross-border workers are not just witnesses to history—they are active participants in shaping a future where memory serves as a bridge, not a barrier.

💡 Further reading:

• The Scelba Law and its legacy
• Ticino’s approach to multiculturalism
• Cross-border commuting: challenges and opportunities

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Key points

For cross-border workers interested in exploring the theme of historical memory and its impact on Ticinese society, there are several tools and initiatives that can be helpful. Here’s a practical guide to get you started.

How to participate in historical memory initiatives in Ticino

The Canton of Ticino regularly promotes events, conferences, and exhibitions on the topic of historical memory, particularly around significant anniversaries such as Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) or Swiss National Day (August 1). To stay informed, you can consult the event calendar on the Department of Education, Culture, and Sport of the Canton of Ticino website.

Many initiatives are organized in collaboration with local associations, schools, and cultural centers. For example, the Cantonal Museum of History in Lugano frequently hosts temporary exhibitions on themes related to World War II and its consequences in Ticino. Public libraries, such as those in Bellinzona or Locarno, also organize meetings with historians and witnesses to discuss these topics.

📊 Did you know? The Cantonal Museum of History in Lugano offers guided tours in multiple languages, including English, making it accessible to cross-border workers.

Tools to deepen local history

For those wanting to explore the history of Forno or the Nazi-Fascist massacres in Italy, there are several online resources available. The Istituto Nazionale Ferruccio Parri website provides historical resources and archival documents on the massacres of World War II. The Wikipedia page on the Forno massacre also offers an updated overview with links to primary sources.

In Ticino, the State Archives preserve historical documents that can help understand how the memory of these events has been locally managed. For example, you can consult the minutes of the Ticino State Council from the 1940s to see how local authorities addressed the issue of refugees and massacres during the war.

What to do if you encounter fascist or Nazi-related speech or symbols

If, during your work or daily life, you encounter speeches or symbols that evoke fascist or Nazi ideologies, it’s important to report them to the competent authorities. In Ticino, the Cantonal Police and the Department of Health and Social Affairs are the bodies responsible for monitoring such phenomena.

You can also report such incidents to local associations dedicated to historical memory, such as the Ticino Association for Peace and Human Rights. These organizations often run awareness campaigns and can provide support in case of a formal complaint.

⚠️ Important: Reporting such incidents helps combat hate speech and promotes a culture of remembrance and respect.

Resources for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who wish to actively participate in historical memory initiatives, there are several volunteering opportunities available. For example, the Swiss Association for Human Rights offers training programs for those interested in deepening their knowledge of memory and anti-fascism themes. The International Civil Service also organizes projects in Ticino that involve young people and adults in activities related to the protection of historical memory.

Finally, for those who wish to discuss these topics with other cross-border workers, you can join discussion groups organized by the Ticino Documentation Center. These meetings provide an opportunity to reflect on how historical memory can be a valuable asset in fostering coexistence among diverse cultures.

To explore how historical memory and values of coexistence can influence your experience as a cross-border worker, try our social impact calculator.

Source: varesenoi.it