“The Belgian union Fgtb takes responsibility for the shameful gesture that took place in Marcinelle, trying to somehow exonerate the comrades of the Cgil. After all, today they shared the same red scarf with the signature of the two unions. In reality, however, this admission of guilt does not absolve anyone: now the Cgil dissociates itself from the Belgian colleagues, condemning the serious lack of respect towards Italy, represented today at Bois du Cazier by the President of the Senate who read the message from the Head of State. I am here in Marcinelle, as always for forty years, when I came here with Tremaglia, to best honor the 262 deaths from 70 years ago. And I believe that politicizing such a tragic anniversary harms Italy and Italians.” This was stated by the senator of Brothers of Italy Roberto Menia, vice president of the Foreign Affairs and Defense commission at Palazzo Madama.
And indeed the Belgian union had claimed the gesture against Ignazio La Russa: “We turned our backs, because we are against the presence of fascist parties, and for us FdI is a far-right party – the union’s note -. We are against the presence of all fascist parties. Their participation is not welcome, especially in a place very important for Italian immigration.” But it doesn’t end there. The intervention of Vincent Pestieau, regional secretary of the union in Charleroi, also arrived: “Our protest did not concern Mattarella, but it is only because Ignazio La Russa spoke on behalf of the government.”
