Calabria Elections 2025: Philosopher Donatella Di Cesare’s Candidacy Sparks Controversy Over Past Statements on BR and Russia, Embarrassing Center-Left Coalition
Rome, Italy – August 31, 2025
The proposed candidacy of philosopher Donatella Di Cesare as a lead candidate for the center-left coalition in the upcoming Calabrian regional elections has ignited a political firestorm, with right-wing parties accusing her of being “Filorussa” (pro-Russian) and “pro-BR” (sympathetic to the Red Brigades terrorist group). The University of Rome La Sapienza professor, known for her provocative opinions on international conflicts and historical events, is set to top the list in Reggio Calabria for Pasquale Tridico’s civic coalition, part of the broader center-left alliance. Her inclusion has drawn sharp criticism from Fratelli d’Italia (FdI) and other conservative voices, who have dredged up past statements to label her as an extremist, potentially damaging the coalition’s image just weeks before the October 5-6 vote. As Tridico defends Di Cesare against what he calls “intimidation,” the controversy highlights deep divisions within Italy’s left-wing spectrum and the challenges of uniting diverse figures in a region plagued by economic woes and political fragmentation.
The Controversy: Di Cesare’s Past Statements and Right-Wing Backlash
Di Cesare’s candidacy was floated by former INPS president Pasquale Tridico, the center-left’s gubernatorial candidate, as part of a “progressive” civic list aimed at challenging incumbent Roberto Occhiuto (FdI-Lega-Forza Italia coalition). The philosopher, of Siderno origins in Calabria, is slated to head the Reggio Calabria provincial list, joining other figures like former Rifondazione Comunista leader Michelangelo Tripodi and activist Sasà Albanese (a close ally of Mimmo Lucano). However, her nomination has been met with immediate outrage from the right, who point to two main controversies: her alleged pro-Russian stance on the Ukraine war and a 2024 tweet mourning Red Brigades militant Barbara Balzerani.
On the Ukraine front, Di Cesare has been criticized for her appearances on talk shows and writings where she questioned Western narratives, advocating for diplomacy and accusing NATO of escalation—positions labeled “Filorussa” by detractors. In a 2022 La7 debate, she argued that “the conflict’s roots lie in post-Cold War expansions,” drawing accusations of downplaying Russian aggression. Right-wing media, including La Voce del Patriota, have amplified this to portray her as anti-Western.
The BR controversy stems from a March 2024 tweet following Balzerani’s death: “La tua rivoluzione è stata anche la mia, le vie diverse non cancellano le idee, con malinconia un addio alla compagna Luna” (“Your revolution was also mine, different paths don’t erase ideas, with melancholy a goodbye to comrade Luna”). Balzerani, a key BR figure involved in the Aldo Moro kidnapping and other attacks that killed dozens in the 1970s-80s “Years of Lead,” was never fully repentant. The post, later deleted amid backlash, was seen as glorifying terrorism, prompting widespread condemnation, including from PD’s Francesco Verducci, who called it “impietrito” (stunned). Di Cesare clarified it as a “human remembrance” of shared generational ideals, condemning violence, but critics like FdI’s Wanda Ferro insist it insults victims’ families.
FdI’s Antonino Orsomarso decried the M5S (part of the center-left coalition) choice as a “shame,” while the National Observatory on the Years of Lead expressed “sconcerto” (shock), urging withdrawal to respect terrorism victims. Tridico fired back on Facebook, calling the attacks “intimidatory” and defending Di Cesare as a “pacifist and feminist” whose words were “distorted.” Mimmo Lucano (Avs MEP) countered FdI’s hypocrisy, noting their ties to neofascist groups like Casapound and support for Libyan torturer Almasri.
The embarrassment for the center-left (Pd-M5S-Avs) is palpable, with internal tensions over figures like Lucano (previously eyed but vetoed by Avs) and now Di Cesare, potentially alienating moderate voters in Calabria, where polls show Occhiuto leading 60-37.
Quotes from Key Figures
Pasquale Tridico: “Sono stupito e sconcertato dagli attacchi di Fratelli d’Italia contro Donatella Di Cesare… Che un partito di governo arrivi a mettere nel mirino una cittadina… è un atto intimidatorio che mina la nostra democrazia.”
Wanda Ferro (FdI): “La candidatura della professoressa Donatella Di Cesare… suscita seria preoccupazione… Ricordo le forti e vive proteste… Ne va del rispetto delle vittime del terrorismo.”
Mimmo Lucano: “Da che pulpito viene la predica… Preferite i vostri amici di Casapound e Almasri.”
Potito Perruggini Ciotta (Osservatorio Anni di Piombo): “Apprendiamo con profondo sconcerto la notizia della candidatura… Quale esempio si vuole davvero offrire ai giovani?”
Filippo Pietropaolo (Regione Calabria): “Tridico dovrebbe solo fare silenzio, chiedere scusa alle famiglie delle vittime delle Brigate rosse ed arrossire per la vergogna.”
Background: The Calabria Elections and Di Cesare’s Profile
The Calabria regional elections on October 5-6, 2025, pit incumbent Roberto Occhiuto (center-right, FdI-led) against Pasquale Tridico (center-left, backed by Pd, M5S, Avs), with polls favoring Occhiuto by 20-30 points amid dissatisfaction over infrastructure and jobs. Tridico’s coalition, a “campo largo” (broad field), includes figures like ex-mayor Mimmo Lucano (immigration advocate) and Michelangelo Tripodi (former Rifondazione), aiming to unite progressives but risking internal rifts.
Donatella Di Cesare, 60, is a prominent philosopher at La Sapienza University, specializing in Heidegger and ethics, with books like Heidegger and Sons and columns in Il Fatto Quotidiano. Her talk-show appearances (e.g., La7) on Ukraine—critiquing NATO and calling for peace—earned her “Filorussa” labels from critics like Corriere della Sera. The 2024 Balzerani tweet, deleted after backlash, was defended as “compassione umana” (human compassion) for shared 1970s ideals, but condemned by figures across the spectrum, including PD’s Verducci. Di Cesare has condemned violence, embracing feminism and pacifism, but her nomination revives “anni di piombo” (Years of Lead) sensitivities, when BR terrorism killed over 400.
The controversy fits a pattern: Tridico’s list includes left-leaning intellectuals like Tomaso Montanari, but Di Cesare’s profile amplifies divisions, with FdI and FI (Maurizio Gasparri) decrying “ambiguità” (ambiguity) from Lucano to her.
Potential Impacts and Next Steps
Di Cesare’s candidacy could fracture the center-left, alienating moderates and boosting Occhiuto’s narrative of extremism, potentially costing votes in Calabria’s conservative south. It may lead to internal debates or withdrawals before the September 7 deadline for lists. For Di Cesare, it risks reputational harm, though supporters like Lucano frame it as right-wing hypocrisy.
Next, Tridico awaits endorsements from Conte and Schlein; the coalition finalizes lists by week’s end. FdI may escalate attacks, while the Observatory pushes for retraction. Elections loom, with Tridico campaigning on income support and infrastructure.
In conclusion, Donatella Di Cesare’s candidacy in Calabria’s center-left coalition has embarrassed allies with accusations of pro-Russian views and BR sympathy, fueling right-wing attacks and internal tensions. The key takeaway? In polarized elections, controversial figures like Di Cesare highlight the risks of broad coalitions—reminding parties to vet candidates carefully to avoid self-inflicted wounds.