Susanna Riva The streets of several European capitals are once again ablaze: in Italy, Spain, France, and other countries, thousands of citizens are taking to the streets to demand economic transparency and the protection of social rights. Massimo Cacciari, philosopher and academic, has provided a complex diagnosis, arguing that behind the demonstrations lies a general crisis that is becoming increasingly oppressive.
Massimo Cacciari's diagnosis of the European crisis
According to Cacciari, " this is a European situation that is becoming absolutely intolerable ," because a democracy cannot, for decades, retreat in terms of income and social services. " Democracy is not an abstract idea; it is based on economic and social policies ," he stated, emphasizing the importance of progressive fiscal policies to protect the most vulnerable and those with low incomes.
The philosopher also highlighted that " the young generations feel totally excluded, without prospects, without even hope ." "You only have to live in the world of school or in contact with young people to understand the profound frustration they feel for the shameful policies of their fathers," he added, highlighting the gap between electoral promises and everyday reality.
National differences between the protests
Cacciari noted that the reasons behind the demonstrations vary from country to country. In Spain, for example, " the protests may be more closely linked to housing issues ," where access to homeownership remains an ongoing challenge. In contrast, in Italy, the housing issue is less central: " 80% of Italians own a home or live in very low-rent social housing," he noted, even though many families face dire economic conditions.
These differences, however, do not erase the common thread: the perception of a declining democracy . Cacciari reiterated that, beyond local details, " democracy cannot be based solely on the idea that we are democratic "; structural change is needed to make systems more equitable and sustainable.
Giorgia Meloni's response and political prospects
When asked what the prime minister should say, her response was clear: " It's not just her fault, it's the fault of the European ruling class " that has implemented minimal changes for thirty years. Meloni emphasized that "European governments have guaranteed growth in rights, services, and well-being for decades, but for thirty years this growth has been stalled, especially in Italy."
According to the prime minister, the current wave of protests is the natural consequence of a political stagnation that has forgotten the needs of the most vulnerable. " Is it any wonder people are deciding to take to the streets? " she asked, emphasizing the need for a concrete response from the institutions.
The philosopher concludes that hope lies in a reawakening among the ruling class: "If they simply denounce the violence without understanding that it is the epiphenomenon of a dramatic situation, we won't move forward. If, however, they manage to make this mental effort, it could spark a backlash capable of initiating adequate European policies to support the demands of the new generations and the most vulnerable citizens."