80 years after referendum: Italians would choose republic again despite challenges

Italy marked the 80th anniversary of its republic with a series of traditional events, including a military parade and ceremonies in Rome. The national holiday celebrates the pivotal 1946 referendum, which saw Italians reject the monarchy in favor of a republican system after decades of fascism and wartime devastation.

President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni led the commemorations, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Mattarella highlighted the significance of the date, stating, "Eighty years have passed since June 2, 1946, which was for Italians the fulfillment of an unprecedented act of freedom." He emphasized the collective decision to move beyond the "ruins of war and the crimes of a totalitarian regime" to build a "free, democratic, and republican state."

However, the anniversary is also accompanied by a growing sense among some Italians that their lives are increasingly decided by external factors, according to expert assessments. This sentiment suggests a complex national mood, balancing pride in republican foundations with contemporary concerns about sovereignty and influence.

The celebrations underscore Italy's commitment to its republican identity, rooted in a historical rejection of authoritarianism and a desire for self-determination. Yet, the underlying unease points to ongoing challenges in navigating national identity and agency in the modern era.

“

Eighty years have passed since June 2, 1946, which was for Italians the fulfillment of an unprecedented act of freedom. With the introduction of universal suffrage, women and men, for the first time together, decided to leave behind the ruins of war and the crimes of a totalitarian regime and begin the reconstruction of a free, democratic, and republican state.