Milan Maintains Twin City Partnership with Tel Aviv Despite Council Pressure
Milan, April 17 – Milan will continue its twin city partnership with Tel Aviv, a decision announced by Mayor Beppe Sala following a phone call with his Tel Aviv counterpart, Ron Huldai, on Thursday, April 16. This comes despite mounting pressure from the Democratic Party (PD) and the Greens within the Milan City Council, who had pushed for the suspension of the agreement.
The City Council had approved a motion in October, primarily spearheaded by the PD and supported by the Greens, advocating for the cessation of the twinning. However, Mayor Sala has opted to maintain the dialogue, citing Milan’s commitment to democracy and peace.
Mayor Sala Emphasizes Dialogue and Support for Affected Communities
In a statement, Mayor Sala explained his decision: “Milan is a city of democracy and peace, standing against all forms of aggression, violence, terrorism, and totalitarianism.” He further elaborated, “While firmly condemning Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, we believe it is essential to continue engaging with those in Israel who are critical of current events. Simultaneously, we must reinforce our support and aid to individuals and communities suffering from the aggressive policies of the Israeli government.”
Sala also indicated plans to intensify existing concrete initiatives for Gaza, which are already underway with the city’s affiliated company.
Tel Aviv Mayor Calls for Continued Partnership
In a letter addressed to Mayor Sala, Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai underscored the importance of the partnership, stating, “Tel Aviv and Milan have chosen dialogue over silence, partnership over boycotts, and bridges over walls.” Huldai acknowledged the difficult internal debates within Israel, emphasizing Tel Aviv’s role in a struggle for its democratic soul, not against its country, but for a future defined by freedom.
Huldai’s letter concluded with an appeal to Milan and Mayor Sala: “I ask you to stand with those who believe that, even now, the right path is to maintain the connection. Stand with those who believe in collaboration. Because democracy is not a state of constant agreement; it is the profound commitment to continue speaking, to continue building, and to continue hoping.”
Greens and PD Express Disappointment
The decision not to revoke the twin city status was deemed “unacceptable” by the Greens in Palazzo Marino. In a joint statement, group leaders Tommaso Gorini and Francesca Cucchiara criticized the mayor, stating, “The letter does not address in any way the issues that led the council to request its suspension.” They expressed deep dismay at what they perceived as the mayor’s attempts to evade implementing a clear request from the council and the two largest parties in the majority. The Greens reiterated their insistence on discontinuing the partnership.
Beatrice Uguccioni, the PD group leader in Palazzo Marino, also expressed regret over the mayor’s decision. “As a group, we presented and voted on a document that established criteria beyond which, in our judgment, the twinning should be frozen, not to oppose the people or citizens, but to send a signal to a government – that of Netanyahu – which continues to violate the truce in Gaza,” Uguccioni stated.
Internal Party Tensions Highlighted
The issue has also brought to light internal tensions within the Democratic Party. Emanuele Fiano, a prominent figure, has indicated a potential departure from the PD, stating it’s “impossible to remain in a party that chooses to cancel the twin city partnership with Tel Aviv.” This suggests a deeper division within the party regarding the approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and international relations.
The continuation of the Milan-Tel Aviv twin city partnership underscores the complexities of balancing local political pressures with broader international diplomatic considerations, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
