"Following the rejection of the anti-Semitism bill, we feel politically estranged from the PD." Fiano speaks out

Eventually, everything comes to a head. And so do those opposed to the anti-Semitism bill: the M5S, AVS, Futuro Nazionale and the PD. “I feel sick,” says Emanuele Fiano, a former Democratic Party MP and president of Sinistra per Israele, in no uncertain terms. “The party that has been my political home for almost forty years is making a very serious mistake, with far-reaching consequences for Italian Jewry. I don’t know how much longer we can remain in this centre-left coalition if the PD also votes against this bill.” Yet this is the line announced by the party in the Chamber of Deputies. Thus, it is tailing behind Conte, following the red-brown thread that can be glimpsed on several fronts. Amidst much controversy and just as many disappointed figures – Fassino, Quartapelle, Delrio, who had tabled a similar bill against anti-Semitism in the Senate, only for it to be scuppered by friendly fire. “This is a huge problem. A deeply painful and tragic wound for our community: many share my view. If we continue to bend our identity to the calculations of political alliances, we will end up losing our true nature.”

Fiano is speaking from Auschwitz, where the International Committee has brought together members of the association from all over the world. “And every national delegation, particularly in Europe, is reporting the exponential rise in anti-Semitism that has taken place in their respective countries in recent years,” emphasises the former MP. “In 2025, there were also around 950 such cases in Italy: should we perhaps just stand by and watch? Voting ‘no’ to this bill is incomprehensible, first and foremost from an ethical and legal standpoint. It would in no way prevent criticism of the Israeli government. The PD has spoken out on this matter on several occasions, endorsing the definition of antisemitism in various contexts: from the European Parliament to the Draghi government, this is a strategy to be implemented by the anti-discrimination office. If, on the other hand, anyone is concerned about the right-wing exploiting the bill – well, the PD could have thought of that first.” Delrio had tried. “Exactly. So it’s an argument that doesn’t hold water. Some people sometimes tell me – even Jews who are mistaken – that you cannot pass a specific law just for Jews because otherwise it would generate further anti-Semitic pressure. Well, you’re talking to someone who has tabled bills on anti-Gypsyism, homotransphobia, Islamophobia, and on strengthening the Scelba Law to introduce the offence of propagating the fascist regime. Every problem is unique and requires its own specific approach to tackle it. In this case, moreover, we’re talking about preventative measures – not even about repression – in a country that already faces major problems with racism in various forms. How can the PD possibly be against it?”

Fiano cannot make sense of it. Yet going along with the prevailing wind in the broader political spectrum is becoming a worrying trend. And it is leading the Democrats – in theory the strongest party on the Italian left – to champion the same causes as the Contians and Vannaccians. “I won’t go into the analogy: it can happen that specific resolutions are shared even amongst political forces that are far apart.” Yet this is not just about the anti-Semitism bill. The M5S, AVS and their wider circle are courting Vannacci on Ukraine, rearmament and European policy: Putinists of the world, unite – if three clues make a proof. “I limit myself to worrying about what is happening within my own party,” Fiano reiterates. “I am speaking of those who, like me, feel politically exiled. The Jewish history of the Italian left goes back a very long way: Zevi, Napolitano, Montalcini. All of this is now in danger of fading away. When it comes to addressing existential issues such as combating anti-Semitism, we cannot stoop to such levels or make such glaring blunders. I am suffering, and so are we.” How can we get out of this? “Perhaps the situation is irreparable.” Not with this lack of values.