2019 - Italian adrift READ MORE

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From January to December, 12 months of the socio-political situation seen from the eyes of a photographer who came back in Italy after years in Africa. Populism, far right party, political coalitions and a new movement, these are the 2019 Italian adrift elements.

In the first months of 2019 the shadow of far-right parties was spreading across Europe. In Hungary, France, Austria, Germany and more the xenophobic nationalist parties increased their consensus; walls were built, borders were closed, hatred was fed. The danger represented  by the raise of populism, so clear from abroad, in Italy had a different connotation and it was embraced by a large part of the population. The Roman suburbs, where more and more people find it difficult to lead a dignified life, have come to life. Following Salvini Interior Minister proclamations, far-right militants invaded squares and waved flags chanting “Italian first”.

The boats full of migrants and their relocation have been the core of every demonstration. Integration models like Riace were put on trial and symbols like Mimmo Lucano exiled and then rehabilitated. That growing hatred feeling towards anyone who’s not Italian, it had been publicly unveiled and entered people reality. Now it was palpable. The ports were shuttled down by the Interior Minister, the anomalous M5S / Lega government experienced uncertain moments and not welcoming struggling human beings, it become common. Among the 5 Stars Movement electors raised up the “everyone back home” gut feelings spread by “the Capitan” charisma.

Against the odds and beyond imagination, the new "yellow / green" government surprised everyone by melting down after an event that will remain in history: Minister Salvini's holiday in Romagna. Since August the crack become definitive and the government dropped. Despite the political slipping, “the Captain" continued his perennial election campaign undaunted; invoking the Virgin Mary holding a rosary in his hands, he defended the natural family integrity and from the Lega National Assembly held in Pontida, he relaunched his political manifesto to his faithful and adoring crowd.

Meanwhile the Right coalition is struggling to take off, the atrophic PD - Democratic Party - and the opportunist M5S has taken office, a new government contract has been signed but doubts about its integrity remain the same. On December 2019 while I am leaving Italy once again, an apparently apolitical and anti-populist new movement is naturally gathering in the Italian squares: the Sardines.