Mala tempora currunt. These are desperate times and it has been so for quite a while. Too much. The outcomes of global politics of these last years has been so far only division, hatred, selfishness and it seems that perspective of erecting barriers, thus protecting our little world, makes everybody happy. Those who don’t find themselves in all this have been left alone, as that disruptive wave of populism with its simple but effective language has found the political antagonist forces unprepared and weakened, if not ridiculed, by the power of their slogans and tones. So, we have become hopeless spectators of what to me is a cultural disaster, waiting for “a someboby” that when the time comes takes us out of this mess. But, what if we imagined ouselves to be that somebody?
Mattia Sartori
Only a month ago Mattia Santori, 32, from Bologna, felt the urge of doing something. A couple of days before Salvini and his coalition partners, the smaller far-right party Brothers of Italy, and Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia, were due to launch their campaign for the Emilia-Romagna regional election at an indoor sports arena in Bologna. Emilia-Romagna has been since ever the stronghold of Italian left wing and there is a real danger that Salvini might win the election. He sent an urgent message to three friends late at night telling them to meet the next day. Over lunch, the four friends hatched a plan to Salvini’s boasts about filling Italy’s squares with supporters. The sports arena had a capacity for 5,700 people, and so, via an announcement on Santori’s private Facebook page, the group invited people to a counter-rally at Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore, with the aim of attracting 6,000 people. 15,000 people filled the Bologna square.
Sardines in Bologna
As Salvini’s far-right electoral alliance pursued its campaign, the Sardines converged in other Emilia-Romagna cities before spreading across Italy, Turin, Florence, Naples and yesterday they arrived in Rome. They call themselves “Sardines”, as they aim at filling squares packed together like sardines in a tin box, so sardines are the thousands of people who spontaneously gather to manifest their discontent towards the language of populism embodied by former minister Matteo Salvini and his party.
Sardines in Rome
Yesterday’s square, Piazza San Giovanni in Rome, was not a tight space, it was enormous, an ocean. Nonetheless, and immense crowd of sardines, young and old succeeded in filling a landmark which has hosted memorable rallies. All of them demanded another way of doing politics, a different storytelling, which is not only a never ending political campaign on twitter or fb, which feeds itself with fears and the rethoric of hatred. The only way which leads to a future of peace is that of anti-fascism, anti-racism and solidarity.The full squares are a clear message to politicians, both left and right.
Sardines in Rome
Very interesting so far, but what comes next? This is a movement, and movements only dent the so called political system or they may end up being swallowed by it, if they just aim at agitating waters. As after a while, sediments, having recovered from the unexpected tides, settle comfortably again, so nothing changes. Our recent history has already undergone the effects of another movement, the so called “five star movement”. They believed they embodied the revolution in politics and would have opened parliament just like a can of tuna – fish metaphors seem to be very en vogue and effective here – , but when they turned into a party and got the majority of votes with an incredible 34%, they actually upset the political balances of parliament, only, they didn’t understand that that was the easy part. Once elected and comfortably seated in the can, the destructive phase was now over and should have been replaced by the constructive one. Their effective slogans crashed against reality and furthermore, being totally inexperienced, they paved the way to a much more skilled shark named Matteo Salvini.
Sardines in Naples
So I ask again: what comes next? Pietro Nenni, an Italian politician, long time ago warned that full squares don’t fill ballot boxes, as the recent history of Brexit demonstrates, so we cannot hope that the “sardines” will stop Matteo Salvini and friends, for sure. However, the people in these squares showed us that we are not alone, we are many and in our small way we can react to the populist wave. It is good to talk about politics rather than empty slogan again, it is good to see anti-fascist and anti-racist squares, it is good to see a positive attitude in all the people who joined the rallies and this gives me hope. From Piazza San Giovanni, together, we may start to make a better future.
e-Tinkerbell 
Your inspiring message resonates in my sad, deluded island, submerged by mist and rain. I wish we could raise enough passion to protest in the Italian way.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/788969204897452
There were “sardines” in London too last Sunday. The organizers were trying to make it a more global event, but they are too young and any development should be thought before being carried out, otherwise it will be blown away.
A great article, and very timely, especially after the right-wing takeover of the UK. It seems to be happening all over Europe, dangerous times I think.
All over Europe and across the ocean. In my opinion ” el pueblo unido jamás será vencido”, hence, consciences must be reawakened, we must enjoy debating, being active parts of politics again, rather than being puppets in the hands of shrewds manipulators. I was thinking 🤔 the next time I come to London, I’ll need the passport!!🙀
Oh yeah dear Stefy, I have seen a report last evening in German TV, great action. Love it ❤❤🥰🙏
It has been a breath of fresh air, at last.!! 🙋
Yes! Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao ciao 🤗❤
Stefania, I really appreciate this post. On Sunday I was listening to a program where they mentioned this movement, The Sardines. First time I’d heard about it (I am in the US). All over the planet people are showing up against this rightist extremism. It is so good to see. I wish all the Sardines very well.
They are a sparkle of hope, let’s hope it doesn’t end up like the other “movements” we have “produced” here in Italy. Very glad you enjoyed the post.
Cheers.
Stefy
As you say — and I believe — it’s not enough unless accompanied with something offering a choice; something besides what’s already in the arena.
The problem (here, at least) is that the major players have successfully put in place mechanisms to limit the entry of fresh/new/better ideas. That’s because the game is played not for the benefit of the public, but for power and money.
In that, I fault the public itself because it is easily swayed (over, and over, and over) by mostly empty and often unrealistic promises. When it comes down to it, knowing something is wrong is a lot easier than knowing what to do about it, especially when the first instinct of most people is to follow the easiest path, the simple solutions, regardless of whether it’s the right path or the right solution.
True, in fact, I guess it will be very difficult for the “Sardines” to decide which step to take next, if there will be one.
It will be curious to see if it makes a difference come election time.