When Genoa once again drove the fascists out of the city
On May 14, 1960, the Italian Social Movement formalizes its sixth Congress for July 2 in Genoa, a gold medal city for the Resistance. The Chamber of Labor proclaims a general strike for June 30th.
On May 14, 1960, the Italian Social Movement formalizes its sixth Congress for July 2 in Genoa, a gold medal city for the Resistance. Not only that: the Social Movement chooses the Politeama Margherita as its headquarters, a stone’s throw from the Monumental Bridge and the Memorial of the Fallen Partisans.
In a prefectural report we read: “The story of the news has provoked a lively reaction in the partisan circles that are proposing strikes and street actions. Even Senator Terracini, in the meeting held on 2nd Pannesi, affirmed that the choice of Genoa is an offense to the values of the city decorated with the gold medal and that all the forces of the resistance must be brought together for this occasion ”.
The former partisans, supported by the population and by the large community of dockers, begin to stake out every corner of the Ligurian capital; the trade unions make a big voice with the government: that congress in Genoa must not be held, at any cost.
After two processions, the first took place on 25 June, and the second, on 28 June, after a meeting by Sandro Pertini ended, on 30 June the Chamber of Labor proclaimed a general strike.
“Our applause goes to young people – the future president of the Republic said that day – for the enthusiasm, pride and courage they have shown. As long as there is a youth like this, nothing will be lost in Italy. We elders recognize ourselves in these young people. At their age we faced the fascist squads here in our Liguria. And we do not want to betray the anxieties, hopes, tomorrow, of this proud youth, because we would betray ourselves. Thus, once again, we are prepared for the struggle, ready to face it with the same enthusiasm, will and faith as always. Here there are men of every political faith and from every social class, often in conflict with each other, as indeed democracy wants. But these men knew today, and will know tomorrow, to overcome all political differentiations to unite as when on 8 September the country called together its minor children, so that they would redeem it from fascist infamy. To you who look at us with hostility, do these spontaneous demonstrations of the people say anything? Does this sudden reconstituted unity of the Resistance forces tell you anything? It is the most valid dam against the forces of reaction, against any fascist adventure and represents a severe monitor for all. Fascism did not succeed, the Nazis did not succeed, you cannot. We, in this renewed unity, are determined to defend the Resistance, to prevent it from being outraged. We consider this our specific duty: for the peace of our dead, and for the future of our living, we will accomplish it to the fullest, whatever the cost “.
On the morning of June 30, a long procession unfolds through the city streets. In the square that day there is the CGIL, there are dockers, university professors, students, transport and trade workers. There are the old partisans and many young people, fathers, mothers, grandparents and children, an unexpected mixture that makes every political scheme rethink. Coming up from the port, thousands of citizens, mostly of young age (the so-called boys with striped T-shirts) pour into the streets of the capital.
At the head of the demonstration the metalworkers and dockers, to open the procession the partisan commanders. The demonstration proceeds quietly, but in front of the attempt by part of the police to disband the march and the threat of the mass descent of the fascists towards Genoa, popular anger explodes.
The old partisans, the young recruits of the working class and university students, who for the first time found themselves side by side in unity of purpose, not only did not succumb to the police, but prevented the Missino Congress, sending the government into crisis.