NAPLES, Italy – A heated exchange has emerged between Carlo Calenda, secretary of the Azione party, and the University of Naples Federico II. Calenda asserts that an event he had scheduled at the university was abruptly canceled, while the institution firmly denies any knowledge of his proposed meeting.
Calenda’s Accusation: ‘Federico II in the Hands of Communists’
Speaking on Thursday, December 11th, after a meeting with students at the Parthenope University, Calenda labeled the 800-year-old Federico II University a “den of communists.” He claimed, “I had a conference at Federico II that was canceled. It had been scheduled for two months and then disappeared, presumably for political reasons.” He further alleged that the university, which he believes is controlled by student collectives, is instead hosting a “quite scandalous pro-Putin propaganda event.” Calenda drew parallels to similar situations in Turin, stating that such incidents occur “where universities are fundamentally in the hands of communists.” He later clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that he was referring to a scheduled ANPI conference featuring Alessandro Di Battista on December 22nd.
University’s Rebuttal: No Request Received, No Events Canceled
Federico II University swiftly issued a statement refuting Calenda’s claims. The university emphasized that no request from Calenda or his team to host a “Calenda on Campus” event had ever been received by its central administration. “The University has always been characterized by its pluralist approach and its willingness to host debates and discussions on the most varied topics, making its classrooms available as an open space for dialogue, respecting everyone’s dignity,” the statement read. The institution further asserted that it learned of the alleged event’s programming and subsequent cancellation solely through media reports. “It is not the practice of our University to organize events and then cancel them,” the university concluded.
Solidarity from Mastella, Despite Political Differences
Clemente Mastella, Mayor of Benevento and leader of Noi di Centro, expressed his solidarity with Calenda. “The decision to cancel, presumably for political reasons, the conference with Carlo Calenda at Federico II is wrong, unacceptable, and contrary to the Constitutional Charter,” Mastella wrote. He added, “My solidarity with Calenda in this circumstance is full and unconditional. Freedom of speech and the exchange of ideas are sacred in a democracy.” Mastella acknowledged their past political disagreements, stating, “Many will remember that there has been an uncompromising dialectic between me and him. I confirm that I do not consider him a political genius. Absolutely not. But silencing him is against all the values I believe in and have always believed in.”
Calenda’s University Tour Continues
Calenda, meanwhile, stated he has visited 17 universities and plans to hold a total of 50 meetings, including some in London with Italian student associations. He noted a “great desire to debate issues that young people perceive as disturbing, from Europe that risks falling, to America, Russia, and Ukraine.” He emphasized the importance of engaging with young people directly rather than waiting for them to come forward, highlighting their significant interest and need to be “reawakened.”
The ANPI Event: University Provides Space, Not Organizer
Regarding the ANPI conference with Alessandro Di Battista, the university clarified that it is merely providing the venue and is not involved in the organization of the event itself. This is a standard practice and does not imply any endorsement or involvement in the event’s content.
The controversy underscores ongoing tensions surrounding political discourse and academic freedom within Italian universities, particularly in the context of broader geopolitical events.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_dicembre_11/calenda-l-universita-federico-ii-in-mano-ai-comunisti-ha-cancellato-un-mio-incontro-ma-l-ateneo-di-napoli-non-sappiamo-di-alcun-16966c93-d34a-475f-9390-0d8995247xlk.shtml
