Clash Over Flags in Turin City Council: US, Italian, and Palestinian Symbols Spark Tensions
On October 6, 2025, during a session of the Turin City Council (Consiglio Comunale), a symbolic confrontation unfolded over the Israel-Palestine conflict, pitting displays of US and Italian flags against a recently raised Palestinian flag. The incident occurred amid discussions on recent pro-Palestine demonstrations in the city, led by Security Assessor Marco Porcedda.
Background and Trigger
The clash was a direct response to an action by pro-Palestine councilors from the Democratic Party (PD), Left Ecologist, and Five Star Movement (M5S), who had waved a Palestinian flag from the balcony of Palazzo Civico (City Hall) the previous Friday during a solidarity march for Gaza. This gesture symbolized support for Palestine amid ongoing protests in Turin, including school occupations and strikes calling for an end to military ties with Israel.
Key Events in the Council Session
- Opposition’s Counter-Display: At the start of the session in the Sala Rossa (Red Hall), opposition councilors interrupted Porcedda’s communications by unfurling an Italian tricolor flag and two US flags. They positioned these as a rebuke to the Palestinian symbol, with some members also raising an Israeli flag.
- Escalation and Exchanges: Parts of the center-left majority joined the opposition by displaying Israeli flags, turning the chamber into a battlefield of national symbols. Verbal sparring ensued, including shouts of “Pagliacci” (clowns) from PD councilor Catanzaro toward the opposition, and mockery from Sinistra Ecologista councilor Diena, who pointed out that the Italian flag was hanging upside down.
- Notable Statements:
- Silvio Viale (+Europa): “A provocazione si risponde con provocazione” (To provocation, one responds with provocation).
- Ferrante De Benedictis (Fratelli d’Italia): “Queste sono le uniche bandiere degne da esporre” (These are the only flags worthy of being displayed).
- Giuseppe Catizone (Lega): “Grazie Trump” (Thanks Trump), referencing perceived US support for Israel.
Involved Parties
| Group/Party | Key Figures | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Opposition (Fratelli d’Italia, Lega, +Europa) | Ferrante De Benedictis, Enzo Liardo, Giuseppe Catizone, Silvio Viale | Displayed US, Italian, and Israeli flags as counter-symbols. |
| Center-Left Majority (PD, Sinistra Ecologista, M5S) | Councilor Catanzaro (PD), Councilor Diena (Sinistra Ecologista) | Some joined Israeli flag display; others mocked the opposition. |
| Pro-Palestine Initiators | PD, Sinistra Ecologista, M5S councilors (unnamed in session) | Prior Palestinian flag waving from balcony. |
Outcome and Context
The session was briefly suspended due to the chaos, but no formal resolution on the symbols was reported. This episode highlights deepening divisions in Turin over the Gaza conflict, fueled by broader protests like the occupation of defense firm Leonardo’s headquarters and calls to sever ties with Israel. The “aula” in reports refers to the council chamber, though some translations may render it as “classroom,” tying into separate student-led occupations in Turin schools where Palestinian symbols have also appeared.
The event underscores Turin’s role as a hotspot for pro-Palestine activism in Italy, with ongoing demands for city-level actions like suspending agreements with Israel.