Lorenzo Pacini and the security issue tackled through a wealth tax: “Tax the super-rich”

The problem of security can be tackled through the redistribution of wealth. This is what Lorenzo Pacini, the mayoral candidate for Milan – a man who has for some time been known as a ‘cocomeraio’ and has now entered the race to wrest Palazzo Marino from Beppe Sala – is proposing. He explains to Il Foglio: “Security is one of the city’s problems and it is getting worse because inequalities are worsening”, so, in his view, “we need educators in the most challenging neighbourhoods on an adequate salary” and to pay them properly, “we can draw on the proceeds from the tax on the super-rich”. In short, tackling security through a wealth tax. We contacted the “Mamdani of Milan” to hear his views on the events in Val di Susa. The No Tav march ended with more than 120 injuries among the police, the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza. Is it terrorism or resistance? The councillor at City Hall I avoids taking sides: “I’d say neither, but I won’t comment on this – it doesn’t concern the city and it’s not my responsibility. Ask the national secretariat.”

The local council elections are just around the corner. And to offer the people of Milan a bit of a breather, Pacini has been organising various ‘watermelon parties’ for the past few weeks – evenings where you can eat as much watermelon as you like. The ‘MiDecido’ platform has been online for a few hours now, where voters can contribute and help shape the manifesto from the ground up. But regardless of what the package of proposals will be, Pacini has one firm point on his agenda: a tax on the super-rich, modelled on that of the Mayor of New York. In effect, a wealth tax? “I think it’s a mistake to call it a wealth tax. We must lower taxes for employees and raise them for the super-rich and on super-sized inheritances.” A proposal backed by the Green and Left Alliance, but not by the PD. It is not on Elly Schlein’s agenda. “I’m sure they would agree with this proposal; the ideas are there and need to be put into action.” But there is one official line. “And we respect it,” says Pacini. 

Such a measure would also complement security measures, as we were saying. “The tax on the rich is a separate issue. We must put forward left-wing proposals.” And indeed, it is precisely the left that has recently been saying – above all to itself – that it must not leave this issue to the right. The country has experienced a very turbulent week following the events in Bologna. "Investigations are ongoing, so from a legal perspective we will have to wait for the judiciary to act. But from a political perspective, I see a person in need, in danger, whose death resulted from an intervention by the police. This is the greatest injustice a state can commit against its citizens."

There is therefore a widespread security issue. “There is a problem with how the police intervene to stop and arrest people, especially when they are in a state of agitation and showing clear signs of mental distress.” Are all your proposals linked to the social sphere? “It is pointless to use the right-wing’s dysfunctional approach.” Which one? “Throwing everyone in jail. Right-wing voters might want to see people in prison and Mario Roggero set free, whilst left-wing voters would like parties that tackle social inequalities and restore a measure of justice to this country,” says Pacini.

Speaking of the left, today in the Senate, Democrat Filippo Sensi organised two events relating to the vote. One of these analyses Mamdani’s victory and how he managed to win New York. “I’m pleased they’re talking about New York’s mayor, but I don’t think they’ll be talking about me,” says the Mamdani from Milan. "But I’ll say one thing with good humour and affection. It’s interesting that those who would probably have supported Cuomo in that context are now trying to claim Mamdani as their own… it’s interesting." A dig at the centre-left. Would Mayor Pacini arrest Netanyahu? “Well, I don’t have the authority to do so, but I consider Netanyahu a war criminal and he should be arrested by the law enforcement agencies of any European country, including Italy’s.” Hence the idea of the watermelon, the fruit that symbolises the Palestinian flag (red, green, white and black).

Pacini has clear ideas and rather uncompromising views. “At the moment, our chances of victory are slim,” he tells us, but “we’re not interested in the figures; we’ll work to ensure that our political path becomes increasingly viable.” Meanwhile, in Rome, a broad coalition is taking shape. “I’m very much in favour of an alliance with the Five Star Movement.” But what about Renzi? There’s a long sigh. And a Christian Democrat-style reply: “I think that everyone who has progressive, left-wing proposals and ideas for this country should be part of the broad coalition.” Mamdani from Milan says he’ll support Elly Schlein if it comes down to a primary. “But I’m not interested in standing as a candidate or anything like that; I’m staying in Milan.” That’s what they all used to say.