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CasaPound Italia

An Analytical Overview of a Neo-Fascist Movement

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Defining CasaPound Italia

Movement Origins

CasaPound Italia (CPI) is an Italian neo-fascist movement, formerly a political party. It emerged as a network of far-right social centers, originating from the occupation of a state-owned building in Rome's Esquilino neighborhood on December 26, 2003. Initially known as "CasaPound," it expanded through further occupations, demonstrations, and various initiatives, evolving into a significant political movement.

Identity and Evolution

In June 2008, CasaPound formally constituted itself as an "association of social promotion," adopting the name CasaPound Italia – CPI, with the "Arrowed Turtle" as its symbol. By June 2019, leader Gianluca Iannone announced the cessation of its status as a political party, reverting to its original form as a social movement. This shift marked a return to its foundational identity while continuing its engagement in political discourse and activism.

Historical Trajectory

Foundation and Early Years

The first occupation under the CasaPound name occurred on December 26, 2003, in Rome, by individuals associated with the "Non-Compliant Occupations and Occupations with a Housing Purpose" (ONC/OSA) area. This initiative grew from prior experiences, establishing its national headquarters in an occupied state-owned building on Via Napoleone III. By 2010, the occupied building housed 23 families, totaling 82 residents.

Political Engagement and Shifts

CasaPound was initially associated with the Tricolour Flame movement until 2008. While commonly categorized within the Italian radical right, the movement self-identifies as "Third Position." Membership estimates grew from 5,000 in 2011 to 6,000 by 2017. In the lead-up to the 2018 general election, Simone Di Stefano was nominated as the party's candidate for Prime Minister, though the party later expressed support for Matteo Salvini. In 2019, CasaPound participated in the European Parliament elections as part of the "United Right" list, but failed to secure seats. Subsequently, the movement officially ended its party status, returning to its roots as a social movement.

Electoral Participation

CasaPound has participated in various elections, presenting candidates in local, regional, and national contests. In the 2022 general election, the movement supported the Italexit party, including its members on the candidate lists. Despite presenting candidates in national and European elections, CasaPound has not secured parliamentary representation at the national or European levels, though it has elected representatives in local civic lists and regional councils.

Ideological Framework

Third Position and Anti-Capitalism

CasaPound's ideology is rooted in the fascist "Third Position," which seeks to transcend the traditional left-right political spectrum. This stance is influenced by figures like Ezra Pound, whose critiques of usury and capitalism, as well as his alignment with the Italian Social Republic, resonate with the movement. CPI positions itself as anti-capitalist, critiquing both capitalism and Marxism, and draws inspiration from fascist social legislation and the Manifesto of Verona.

Nationalism and European Identity

The movement champions Italian nationalism and advocates for a communitarian-nationalist vision of Europe, expressing criticism towards the European Union. It has shown collaboration with the identitarian movement, which promotes a white, Christian Europe. While initially holding anti-American and anti-Zionist views, and even cooperating with Hezbollah, the movement's stance on Israel has evolved, with former leader Di Stefano expressing support for certain Israeli policies. The movement also shows a complex relationship with figures like Che Guevara and Hugo Chávez, whom they have praised.

Social Stances and Controversies

On social issues, CasaPound maintains a strong anti-immigration stance. However, its positions have shown internal diversity and evolution. While many members participated in "Family Day" supporting traditional family values, the movement's leadership has also expressed support for same-sex civil unions, advance directives, and improvements to the welfare state. The party also supports abortion rights. Despite claims of antisemitic and xenophobic rhetoric by some activists online, CasaPound officially rejects and expels members holding such views.

Diverse Initiatives

Cultural and Media Engagement

CasaPound is active in various cultural spheres. It hosts its own musical band, Zetazeroalfa, and promotes a theater company. The movement also operates a web radio, web television, and publishes a monthly magazine, contributing to its media presence and outreach. These activities are part of its strategy to disseminate its message and engage with a broader audience.

Social and Sports Activities

Beyond political and media activities, CasaPound engages in civil protection initiatives and promotes various sports disciplines, including hiking, parachuting, and diving. These activities aim to foster community engagement and physical development among its members and supporters, reflecting a holistic approach to movement building.

Mutuo Sociale and Housing

A key political proposal of CasaPound is the "Mutuo Sociale" (Social Mortgage), designed to address housing issues affecting thousands of households across Italy. This initiative was officially approved by the Lazio Region within its "House Plan" in October 2011, demonstrating the movement's focus on social welfare and housing solutions.

Blocco Studentesco: Youth Wing

Formation and Objectives

Blocco Studentesco, CasaPound's student organization, was founded in 2006. It serves as a platform for individuals with similar political views to connect and engage in student politics. The organization actively participates in student elections, aiming to represent its constituents within educational institutions.

Actions and Controversies

Blocco Studentesco has successfully gained representation in student parliaments, with 100 representatives reported in 2009. Its logo is inspired by the flag of Oswald Mosley's British Union of Fascists. The organization employs various methods of action, including demonstrations, parades, flash mobs, and social media content production. However, its activities have also drawn criticism, including instances of violence and parliamentary scrutiny regarding fascist propaganda and alleged violent conduct.

International Connections

European Outreach

CasaPound leaders have been invited to present their "political model" in major European capitals, including Paris, Madrid, London, Lisbon, Brussels, and Warsaw. The organization's activities have garnered attention from foreign media, highlighting its international engagement and the perception of its political model beyond Italy's borders.

Cross-National Alliances

In 2011, the Finnish Resistance Movement, which represents national socialism, invited CasaPound members to a seminar in Helsinki. This interaction led the Finnish Security Intelligence Service to investigate potential connections following the 2011 Florence shootings. These international engagements underscore CasaPound's participation in a broader network of European far-right and nationalist movements.

Symbolic Figures and Controversy

The Influence of Ezra Pound

The movement's adoption of American poet Ezra Pound as a symbolic figure has been a source of controversy. Pound's daughter, Mary de Rachewiltz, has publicly stated that the movement distorts the meaning of her father's work and constitutes a "misappropriation" of his image, despite Pound's known support for fascism and his writings against usury.

Electoral Performance

National and European Elections

CasaPound Italia has participated in Italian parliamentary and European Parliament elections. While presenting candidates and lists, the movement has not secured seats at the national or European level. The following tables detail their electoral results in various contests.

Results for the Chamber of Deputies and Senate of the Republic:

Chamber of Deputies
Election Year Votes % Seats +/- Leader
2013 47,691 (20th) 0.14 0 / 630 Gianluca Iannone
2018 312,432 (10th) 0.95 0 / 630 Simone Di Stefano
Senate of the Republic
Election Year Votes % Seats +/- Leader
2013 40,540 (20th) 0.13 0 / 315 Gianluca Iannone
2018 259,718 (10th) 0.86 0 / 315 Simone Di Stefano

Results for the European Parliament election:

European Parliament
Election Year Votes % Seats +/- Leader
2019 89,142 0.33 0 / 72 new Simone Di Stefano
Massimiliano Panero

Regional and Provincial Councils

CasaPound has also contested regional and provincial council elections across Italy. While often presenting candidates, the movement has generally not secured seats in these bodies, with notable exceptions in local elections where they have sometimes elected representatives within civic lists or coalitions.

Selected Regional/Provincial Council Election Results:

Region Election Year Votes % Seats +/-
Lombardy 2018 45,416 0.86 0 / 80
Umbria 2015 2,343 0.66 0 / 20
Lazio 2013 18,491 0.66 0 / 50
Lazio 2018 42,609 1.68 0 / 50
Abruzzo 2019 2,974 0.47 0 / 31
Molise 2018 477 0.33 0 / 21
South Tyrol 2018 2,451 0.86 0 / 35
Trentino 2018 1,215 0.48 0 / 35

Related Topics

Further Exploration

  • Far-right social centres
  • National Fascist Party
  • Social Bastion
  • New Force (Italy)
  • Neo-fascism

Sources

Cited Information

The information presented on this page is derived from publicly available sources, primarily the Wikipedia article on CasaPound.

External Resources

Official and Related Links

  • Official website
  • Blocco Studentesco - official website
  • CasaPound Nationalist Squat in Rome on YouTube
  • The hipster fascists trying to bring Mussolini back into the mainstream on YouTube
  • English interview with the leader of Casa Pound

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References

References

  1.  Eleonora Vio, "Arrivano i Nazi-Pop", dagospia.com, 26 July 2016.
  2.  "City of Helsinki rented space to neo-Nazi group," YLE News (31 October 2011). Retrieved 14 December 2013.
A full list of references for this article are available at the CasaPound Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not political endorsement or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional political analysis or consultation. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified experts for a comprehensive understanding of political movements and their contexts. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

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