Edward Marchesi The 48-year-old former Five Star Movement parliamentarian returned to Italy after experiencing a critical episode in Cuba. While reporting in Santa Clara, he suffered a severe headache that forced him to go to the hospital urgently, first in the central-western city and then in the capital, Havana. The politician credited the Cuban doctors' assistance as the factor that saved his life , and he expressed his gratitude in a video broadcast on La7 during the program DiMartedì.
The illness in Cuba and the help of Cuban doctors
During his stay in Santa Clara, Di Battista experienced a sudden deterioration in his health, a typical symptom of severe, undiagnosed hypertension. The prompt intervention of local medical staff prevented more serious complications. After initial stabilization, he was transferred to Havana for further evaluation, where Cuban professionals continued his treatment with a multidisciplinary approach.
The emergency flyer then requested transfer to Europe for specialist treatment.
The journey from Santa Clara to Havana
The emergency journey was made with the help of an ambulance from the Cuban Ministry of Health, which ensured compliance with international health regulations. The politician emphasized the professionalism of the staff, calling it " exemplary ," and declared: "The Cuban doctors saved my life."
The transfer to Italy and discharge from the Gemelli Hospital
Once stabilized, he was sent to Italy, where the Gemelli Hospital in Rome took over his hospitalization. There, he underwent a series of neurological tests and received targeted treatments for recurring headaches. After a stay of just a few days, he was discharged on September 22, 2026, as announced directly on his Facebook profile, where he wrote: "I'm much better and I'm finally home! Thank you to the doctors and staff at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, and thank you all for the love I've felt every day."
The new message to the public and the denunciation of the Cuban situation
In the video produced for the program DiMartedì on La7, Di Battista also thanked Giovanni Floris for allowing him to speak without filters. He then introduced a new topic: the ongoing geopolitical crisis in Cuba, which he described as a " medieval siege " perpetrated by the United States. The politician expressed his desire to use the media to denounce what he calls a pressure campaign against Cuba, comparing Donald Trump's recent statements to "the words of an indecent bully." He also announced that in the coming weeks he will detail the treatment he will undergo and the events unfolding on the island.