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

Contesto

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 partis...

Dettagli operativi

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 i...

Punti chiave

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, y...

Punti chiave

{"q":"Why was Deputy Ferrara suspended from the Chamber of Deputies?","a":"Ferrara was suspended for five days by the presiding office of Montecitorio, along with 21 colleagues, for having 'physically and directly' obstructed a conference on 'remigration' organized by Lega deputy Domenico Furgiele. The Five Star Movement (M5S) lawmakers had sat or positioned themselves around the speakers' desk to block the event, which was to involve far-right figures."},{"q":"What was the significance of the Forno massacre in 1944?","a":"The Forno massacre was one of the most brutal Nazi-fascist reprisals during World War II. On 13 September 1944, German troops and members of the Decima Mas slaughtered sixty civilians, including women and the elderly, in retaliation for the partisan proclamation of the 'Free Republic of Forno'. The village was razed to the ground, and only a few survivors managed to escape."},{"q":"What are the political consequences of the Ferrara incident?","a":"The incident sparked cross-party controversy. The Five Star Movement defended the decision as an act of opposition to 'dangerous ideologies', while the League described it as an 'attack on freedom of thought'. The suspension of the deputies has also reignited the debate on the public use of history and the presence of fascist symbols or references in institutions."},{"q":"Are there initiatives in Ticino to commemorate the Forno massacre?","a":"In Forno di Massa, in the province of Massa-Carrara, the massacre is commemorated every year on 13 September. In Ticino, the Canton promotes events and initiatives related to historical memory, especially on significant anniversaries such as Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January). For details on local events, you can consult the calendar of the [Department of Education...

Related articles

• ChiassoLetteraria festeggia 20 anni dal 6 al 10 maggio 20
• Deprexis rimborsata da cassa malati: cosa cambia per fron
• Statua ‘Ritorno alla natura’ a Chiasso: petizione ferma d
• Ticino: servono riforme sanitarie, non aumenti fiscali
• Varese 2026: Congresso Svizzera Italia su fisco e lavoro