The Bologna massacre, 45 years later: remembering that tragic August 2nd. Mattarella calls it a "neo-fascist subversion against the Constitution and coexistence."

"To the Prime Minister, who has accused us of wanting to expose her to retaliation, in remembering the past from which she comes, as well as that from which the perpetrators of the massacres come, we want to say that respect for institutions is one thing, but accepting self-interested rewritings of history is another, something we are absolutely not willing to allow." This was stated by Paolo Bolognesi, president of the Association of the Relatives of the Victims of the August 2, 1980, massacre, from the stage at Bologna train station. "President Meloni," he added, "condemning the Bologna massacre without acknowledging and condemning its fascist roots is like condemning the fruit of a poisonous plant, while continuing to water its roots."

Bologna massacre: Mattarella calls it a "neo-fascist subversion against the Constitution and coexistence."

"The Bologna train station massacre has left an indelible mark of inhumanity on Italy's identity, the result of a ruthless neo-fascist subversive strategy aimed at undermining constitutional values, social achievements, and, with them, our very civil coexistence. August 2, forty-five years ago, with the mangled bodies, the many innocent deaths, the immense suffering of family members, the upheaval of a city and, with it, the entire national community, is etched in the nation's memory," stated the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

"Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, and Italy responded promptly and firmly, expressing all the solidarity they are capable of, rejecting—the Head of State emphasizes—the destabilizing plan, the complicity present even within state apparatuses, and the plots of those who led the massacres."

"On this anniversary, we renew our condolences to the families of the victims. This is the expression of a cohesive community that adheres to the democratic principles that the perpetrators of the massacre sought to erase, instilling fear to undermine institutions, and seeking to push the country toward authoritarianism. Their responsibilities have been established thanks to the tenacious work of magistrates and public servants. The testimony of the Association of Victims' Families, which has always kept the light shining on the path that led to the uncovering of the perpetrators and instigators, is worthy of the Republic's gratitude," Mattarella concluded.

Bologna massacre: Crosetto, 'The city and Italy as a whole responded with the highest civic values.'

"In Bologna, on August 2, 1980, one of the most dramatic events in our country's history took place. A subversive strategy, which court sentences attributed to members of neo-fascist organizations, resulted in the deaths of 85 innocent people and the wounding of over 200. Terrorism struck the nation with all its ferocity. The city and Italy as a whole responded with the highest civic values, opposing the strength of democracy to the violence of terrorism. I express with deep emotion my closeness to the families of the victims and the survivors of a massacre that will never be forgotten." This was stated in 'X' by Defense Minister Guido Crosetto.

Bologna Massacre: Piantedosi, 'Don't forget, don't dilute your outrage.'

"Forty-five years after the Bologna massacre, which, driven by Fascism, struck at the heart of Italy, claiming 85 lives and injuring over two hundred, our duty is not to forget or to dilute our outrage, out of respect for the victims and our closeness to their families. There is no room for oblivion: the country's civic conscience is reborn in the rejection of violence and the defense of democratic values." Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi wrote this in 'X'. "Because memory and hope live off each other and were not destroyed in the massacre. In reliving the outrage of the terrorist attack, our civic conscience confirms its rejection of barbarity and is reborn," Piantedosi concludes.

Bologna massacre: applause and emotion at the 45th anniversary celebrations.

Amid applause and emotion, the procession commemorating the August 2, 1980, Bologna train station massacre, which left 85 dead and 200 injured, began. At the forefront are the Minister of Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, the Mayor of Bologna, Matteo Lepore, and the President of the Region, Michele de Pascale. The march is now moving along Via Ugo Bassi, then proceeding along Via Marconi, Via Amendola, and concluding at the station, where official speeches will be held to commemorate the victims of the massacre and the train's triple whistle will sound at 10:25 a.m., the time of the bomb's detonation.

Bologna massacre: train whistle sounds three times to remind passengers of the time of the explosion

The train whistle blew three times and a minute of silence commemorated the moment of the explosion at Bologna station on August 2, 1980, which killed 85 people and injured 200. A loud and sustained round of applause followed the minute of silence.