Feb 11 • 04:00 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy Il Giornale

Justificationism is growing again. We must eradicate it with culture

Roberto Menia, a long-time member of parliament and now senator of Fratelli d'Italia, discusses the importance of cultural memory in combating justificationism related to the Italian genocide victims of the Tito regime during a debate in Madrid.

Roberto Menia, recognized as the father of the 'Day of Remembrance' in Italy, continues to advocate for the acknowledgment of the atrocities committed during the Tito regime. During a recent event held at the Italian Cultural Institute in Madrid, he highlighted the importance of cultural remembrance as a means of combatting the trend of justificationism, which seeks to downplay or deny these historical events. Menia's commitment to this cause has spanned over a decade and is rooted in his efforts to secure official recognition and remembrance for the victims of the genocides.

The journey to establish a dedicated Day of Remembrance was not straightforward, taking nearly ten years filled with legislative hurdles. Menia explains that the law enforcing this commemoration was a result of merging two separate proposals, with his previous proposal concerning the awarding of medals to the families of the victims having passed the Chamber but stalled in the Senate. By cleverly utilizing a regulatory loophole, he was able to advance the proposal, which signifies legislative resilience and emphasis on the need for institutional support in recognizing historical injustices.

The establishment of this remembrance day is not just a legislative victory but also a cultural imperative for Menia, who believes that the fight against justificationism demands a proactive cultural response. His advocacy serves as a reminder of the responsibilities to remember and honor those who suffered, and he calls for continued efforts to ensure that these narratives are preserved in public discourse. Overall, this initiative reflects a larger conversation in Italy regarding historical memory, national identity, and the challenges of confronting uncomfortable pasts.

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