I Don’t Want to Talk About Roman Greetings
La Russa Clashes With Journalists at Ramelli Commemoration
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MILAN – A verbal confrontation occurred between Senate President Ignazio La Russa and journalists attending the commemoration marking 50 years since the death of Sergio Ramelli, a Milanese student killed in 1975 by far-left extremists. Milan Mayor giuseppe Sala also attended the ceremony.
Dispute Over Far-Right Groups and roman Salutes
The exchange between La Russa and reporters arose at the event’s conclusion,focusing on the annual gatherings of neo-fascist groups honoring Ramelli. These gatherings often feature the “Appeal of the Camerata,” were a leader calls out “Camerata Sergio Ramelli” three times, and participants respond “present” while performing a Roman salute.
This year’s commemoration, which the Prosecutor’s Office has labeled a potential apology for fascism, is expected to draw at least 2,000 far-right activists.
Question Sparks Heated Exchange
The dispute began when a journalist asked, “President of the Senate, do you have a message for those who will greet Ramelli with Roman greetings? Just Roman greetings or not?”
La Russa responded, “does that seem like a lovely question to ask? I ask him kindly.”
The journalist replied, “It’s a question, president.”
La Russa countered, “No, the question is what it means today to remember Sergio Ramelli 50 years later. It has a sense of will against any hatred, against all violence and against any exploitation, including your last question. Since here I do not think there have been signs that can worry you.”
Giuseppe Sala at Sergio Ramelli commemoration”>Another reporter interjected, “He didn’t answer us; the question is another.”
“I don’t think an essential thing seems to me,” La Russa stated.
“The Roman greetings are not an essential thing so? As president of the Senate, it confirms it?” a journalist pressed.
“Go away!” La Russa retorted.
“President though…”
“Go away!” La Russa repeated.
“However,the government said to me said sobriety,” another journalist added.
“Let me pass,” la Russa then requested.
Focus on Violence vs. Salutes
“there will be 2,000 neo-fascists…Does Call Camerata Ramelli does not remove the collective memory?” a reporter persisted.
“Ah, this is what interests you, not Ramelli’s memory. Not the fact that we are here against violence,” La Russa said.
“We would miss president,” the reporter replied.
“This is interested,” La Russa continued,”and not the fact that there have been two days of manifestations for pacification. You are interested how many hands will get up that we cannot do anything about it.”
“But this is notable, president.”
“Yes, but it’s not the most critically important thing. the important thing is that there is no violence. Never.”
La Russa then accused the journalist of misrepresenting his words,stating,”I don’t want to talk about Roman greetings because I want to talk about Sergio Ramelli. As you are interested in talking about the Roman greetings, not the fact that today we say no to any type of violence. Is it possible that you don’t understand the difference? Is it possible that you always stop at exploitation? Of something I cannot affect, that is, if they do or do not greet the Roman.” He then departed in his vehicle.
# La Russa Clashes with Journalists at Ramelli commemoration: A Q&A
This article provides a Q&A-style analysis of the confrontation between Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa and journalists at the commemoration of Sergio Ramelli.
## Who Was Sergio ramelli?
Sergio Ramelli was a Milanese student who was killed in 1975 by far-left extremists.
## What Happened at the Commemoration?
The commemoration, marking 50 years since Ramelli’s death, was attended by Senate President Ignazio La Russa and Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala. A verbal confrontation occurred between La Russa and journalists at the event’s conclusion.
## What was the main point of contention in the exchange?
The primary point of contention was the presence of neo-fascist groups at the commemoration and the use of specific symbols, particularly the Roman salute.The journalists questioned La Russa about his views on the Roman salutes seen at gatherings.
## What specific event sparked the disagreement?
The dispute began when a journalist directly asked La Russa if he had a message for those who would greet Ramelli with Roman salutes.
## How did La Russa respond to the journalist’s question?
La Russa responded by questioning the journalist’s motives and dismissing the importance of the question, initially stating, “does that seem like a lovely question to ask?” He then shifted the focus to remembering Ramelli and opposing violence.
## What were some key phrases or statements made by la Russa during the exchange?
Key statements by la Russa include:
* “Go away!” (repeated multiple times to journalists)
* “I don’t want to talk about Roman greetings because I want to talk about Sergio Ramelli.”
* “The important thing is that there is no violence. Never.”
## What is the “appeal of the Camerata” and why is it relevant?
The “Appeal of the camerata” is a tradition at the annual gatherings in honor of Sergio Ramelli, where a leader calls out “Camerata Sergio Ramelli” three times, and participants respond “present” while performing a Roman salute. This is relevant because the use of the salute and the call are symbols often associated with fascism.
## What is the importance of the Roman salute?
The Roman salute, in this context, is highly symbolic. Its use is associated with fascism and is seen as a gesture of support for its ideals. this makes it a controversial symbol in the context of honoring Ramelli, a victim of political violence.
## What was the Prosecutor’s Office’s view on the commemoration?
The Prosecutor’s Office has labeled this year’s commemoration as a potential apology for fascism.
## Why was this event particularly noteworthy?
The event was noteworthy because it highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the legacy of fascism in Italy.The presence of far-right groups, the use of controversial symbols, and the heated exchange between La russa and journalists underscored the sensitivity of the topic. Also, the fact that this event was expected to draw at least 2,000 far-right activists made it stand out.
## What were the main arguments from both sides?
Here’s a summary of the arguments:
| Side | Main Argument |
|---|---|
| Journalists | Focused on the symbolism of the Roman greetings and the presence of far-right groups,questioning whether these elements overshadowed the remembrance of Ramelli and perhaps glorified fascism. |
| la Russa | Argued that the primary focus should be on remembering Ramelli and condemning violence. He downplayed the significance of the Roman salutes, accusing journalists of focusing on ”exploitation” and misrepresenting his words. |