Regardless of location, the song “Ciao Bella,” an emblem of resistance featured in Netflix’s “Money Heist,” continues to inspire solidarity and enthusiasm worldwide, encapsulating the spirit of struggle and resilience shared across borders.
Gülseren Onanç
The previous weeks marked national holidays in both Italy and Turkey, celebrating Italy’s Liberation Day on April 25 and Turkey’s National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on April 23. These commemorations highlight significant historical and social themes in each nation.
Expectations from the rising confidence of CHP
We celebrated the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, which symbolizes the indispensability of parliamentary democracy in Turkey. The enthusiasm from the March 31 local elections seemed to add more significance to the celebrations this year. The CHP, becoming the leading party for the first time in 47 years following the elections, confidently upheld its role in the Assembly. I note a shift in the previously dismissive attitudes of the AK Party, now a minority, as it seeks to establish an equal footing with CHP. The call for a meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and CHP leader Özgür Özel likely underscores this new dynamic, aiming to emphasize the rule of law, adherence to ECHR and Constitutional Court decisions.
Call for the release of Gezi Park detainees
The second anniversary of the convictions of the Gezi Park detainees, who are dear colleagues, just passed on April 25. The need for the immediate release of individuals like Osman, Çiğdem, Mine, Can, and Tayfun is urgent. I hope the Erdogan-Özel meeting will facilitate such outcomes, as emphasized by Su Özerden in an interview with Bianet, stating, “We trust in the conscience of society.” It’s vital to uphold justice and not let the youth’s faith in their country and society wane.
Italy’s Liberation Day Against Fascism: Festa della liberazione
In Italy, April 25 is celebrated as Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione), commemorating the end of Nazi occupation and the fascist Mussolini regime by the partisans in World War II since 1946. Unlike traditional patriotic holidays, the day does not prominently feature the Italian flag but includes public concerts and free museum admissions. This year, the holiday created a long weekend, which sparked further celebrations and reflections on freedom, democracy, and resistance against tyranny. The event also stirs political controversy, especially among right-wing politicians who refuse to celebrate it, while left-wing parties embrace the legacy of the partisans.
Current political climate in Italy
This year’s Liberation Day celebrations were shadowed by controversies involving the right-wing government under Giorgia Meloni, including alleged censorship on the state broadcaster RAI concerning anti-fascist rhetoric. Prime Minister Meloni, whose party has neo-fascist roots, has also faced criticism for her policies on gender and reproductive rights, intensifying debates over women’s autonomy in Italy.
Women’s struggle against violence and inequality
Despite being less prevalent than in Turkey, violence against women remains significant in Italy. With over 120 women killed in 2023, mostly by partners or family members, the fight against gender-based violence continues to intensify. Films like Paola Cortellesi’s “There’s Still Tomorrow,” which outperformed Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” in viewership, symbolize this ongoing struggle, emphasizing the need for continued education and advocacy to transform societal attitudes toward women.
Global political participation of women
Looking ahead to the 2024 elections, the global landscape still shows limited female political candidacy, despite a preference for increased female representation in decision-making processes. The decrease in female leaders globally and the slow pace of achieving gender parity in politics highlight the continued challenges facing women in the political arena.
The universal appeal of Ciao Bella
Regardless of location, the song “Ciao Bella,” an emblem of resistance featured in Netflix’s “Money Heist,” continues to inspire solidarity and enthusiasm worldwide, encapsulating the spirit of struggle and resilience shared across borders.