From the Sunny Corner: Embracing the Post-Fascist Italy
Anxiety over post-fascism alleviates during Italian vacation.
A Personal Account by Thomas Schmoll
Why skip a sun-soaked adventure in Italy just because a new political figurehead finds Brussels and Deutschland a bit pretentious? It's all about those memories – the snapshot in front of the Vatican, perhaps with the Pope himself, or the throwback at the Trevi Fountain in Rome. And if you must send a formal message, well, it's not the end of the world, is it?
Unlike some, I don't have the luxury of thought-provoking statements like "Democracy is in crisis." Or "The narrative shapes reality." Or "Democracy's future doesn't rest in the hands of algorithms." Or "Build up, build up, free the youth, build up." But who needs grandeur when you've got a selfie with the Pope?
Off-the-Beaten-Path InsightsI'm not everyone's cup of tea, apparently. Every year, I seem to miss the Republica – their loss, I say. But as it happens, I spent my 2025 holiday exploring a country that, as per last year's headlines, was in the midst of a political crisis. Little did I know, those crisises often make for the most memorable experiences.
Giorgia Meloni triggered quite a stir when she became Italy's first post-fascist leader. The media was awash with warnings: "She's a neo-fascist, fighting against the EU and despising Germany." And after her victory: "Fascism is back. It's like a smoldering ember that can flare up at any moment in even the most developed democracies." Dramatic, don't you think?
But here's the thing: Meloni's not like Orbán, and Italy's not Hungary. "A bit more Meloni might be good for Europe," suggested a German paper. She supports Ukraine, European-American cooperation, and Western unity, while lashing out at elites, progressive ideologies, cancel culture, and those who criticize her. And to the surprise of some, the Germans seem unfazed.
Italy: A Labor of Love
I can understand why people would be worried about the political climate in Italy, but one thing's for sure – it doesn't damper my love for the country. The capital cities, the countryside, the coastlines – they draw me back like a moth to a flame. Take Lake Como, for instance, where I found myself nestled in a picturesque mountain village. It was a stone's throw from the town where Mussolini met his end – a grim reminder of the country's past, but the serenity of the present banished any lingering shadows.
Being German, it's easy to feel a sense of unease when it comes to politics. So, sometimes I avoid it like the plague. I won't cast stones at the AfD, trample on Trump's peace, or aggravate American oligarchs. But forsake Italy? I think I'll pass.
Co-existing with Competing Ideologies
Sure, some might caution us about our balance between political ideals and personal pleasure in Germany, but Italy? That's a different story. You can demand an AfD ban, steer clear of the States, and swear off WhatsApp, but Italy's charm is too potent. Would a villa in the Italian countryside be incredible? I imagine the Italian riff-raff is dying out, leaving ample one-euro houses in remote locations.
And here's the thing: I've seen the darker side of Italy, too. The teacher who was called a gay slur by a student. The Green party member of parliament who spoke openly about the pervasiveness of homophobia in Germany. But let me tell you, Italy has its own troubles – like those pesky problem bears. Personally, I'm planning a return next spring, unless the Republic insists I share my insights on saving democracy.
- Despite the concerns over Italy's new political leader, Giorgia Meloni, I find myself undeterred in my love for the country, with its capital cities, countryside, and coastlines drawing me back like a moth to a flame.
2.amidst conflicting ideologies, the allure of Italy is a force that transcends political debates, offering the possibility of co-existing with differing beliefs, whether it be embracing a villa in the Italian countryside or navigating the complexities of Italian society.
