The Language of Politics and the Risk of Authoritarian Nostalgia

A recent episode has shaken the Italian political landscape, raising questions about the direction that the language used by institutional representatives is taking. General Vannacci, in a video that has caused dismay, has invited people to vote for a candidate from the Lega-led coalition, using a term loaded with disturbing historical meanings: “decima”.

This term, which evokes practices of collective punishment, has raised alarm among members of the Democratic Party, in particular the provincial secretary of Taranto, Anna Filippetti.

The Meaning of “Tithe” in History

“Decimation” has historically been a brutal practice, used by authoritarian armies to terrorize and subdue troops. Filippetti stressed that the use of this term in a contemporary political context cannot be considered a simple slip. On the contrary, it represents a worrying sign of a political culture that seems to look nostalgically at authoritarian models, trivializing history and flirting with symbols of Europe’s darkest past.

An unacceptable language

The PD secretary said that those who run on the lists of a democratic force should distance themselves from language that evokes violence and repression. The use of terms such as “decima” is not only inappropriate, but represents a risk to the democratic values ​​on which our Constitution is based. Filippetti urged politicians to think about the words they choose to use, as they can have a profound impact on the perception of democracy and civil rights.

The responsibility of politics

In a historical moment in which extremism seems to be gaining ground, it is essential that political representatives distance themselves from languages ​​and behaviors that can fuel social tensions. Filippetti reiterated that those who do not take a stand against such episodes are increasingly distancing themselves from republican and anti-fascist values. Historical memory is a heritage to be defended, and any attempt to rewrite the past must be firmly opposed.

In view of the upcoming elections, it is crucial that voters respond to these provocations with a civilized choice, reaffirming the importance of democracy and human rights. Politics must be a field of dialogue and respect, not of nostalgia for dark times.