Banchi Nuovi Association Faces Eviction, Mobilization in Naples
Naples, May 28 – The Banchi Nuovi association is facing another eviction order from the Naples Municipality’s property management service. In response, a call for mobilization has been issued to defend the social space, with a protest scheduled for today at 5:00 PM in Piazza Municipio, in front of Palazzo San Giacomo. A petition has also been launched in support of the association.
For the past ten years, the association has occupied a space within a municipal building on Via Sedile di Porto. Initially established as the political headquarters for the ‘Organized Unemployed’ movement, the location quickly evolved into a cultural hub open to the city.
A Decade of Cultural and Social Engagement
Rosaria Cordone, president and legal representative of the association, explained, “Our vision has always been to create an accessible and shared space. This began with the Ramondino-Neiwiller Library, which houses political texts often unavailable in traditional library circuits. Over time, it has also become a study room for university students, and we collaborate with the Monitor magazine. Throughout the years, this place has welcomed intellectuals, writers, directors, actors, and numerous other figures from various backgrounds, including those outside activist circles.”
The dispute with the current municipal administration began at the start of its term, with a request to recognize Banchi Nuovi as a non-profit cultural association. “We immediately sought to establish a dialogue with the Municipality,” said Cordone, “inviting Deputy Mayor Laura Lieto and her staff to visit a space that has always served the community. The ‘Organized Unemployed’ movement has existed for over fifty years, and we have always maintained a horizontal structure: as a struggle movement, as a trade union (the Sol Cobas headquarters is also in Sedile di Porto), and as an association. Presidents rotate periodically precisely to avoid concentrations of responsibility.” Among the objectives already discussed with the administration is a project to transform the entire building into a social housing initiative.
Eviction Order and Unexplained Charges
However, in September 2025, an accusation of illegal occupation was filed, followed by a notice to vacate the premises, and finally, an eviction order served on Monday. Concurrently, since the same month, Cordone has been receiving bills from Napoli Servizi for a monthly fee of just over 800 euros, accumulating a total debt of approximately 7,000 euros. However, this payment does not pertain to the spaces actually used by Banchi Nuovi, but rather to the commercial premises facing the street in the same building.
“At Palazzo San Giacomo, the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing. What game is being played?” the occupants questioned, as a signature collection in their support gained momentum.
Widespread Support and Call for Mayoral Intervention
Among the more than 250 signatories are acclaimed director Mario Martone, photographers Cesare Accetta and Antonio Biasiucci, Maurizio Zanardi, co-founder of Cronopio editions, actor Lino Musella, and Claudia and Silvia Pinelli, daughters of anarchist Giuseppe Pinelli.
“We are requesting,” the association members continued, “an immediate meeting with Mayor Manfredi to halt this bureaucratic machine. It is unacceptable that on a political level we are told ‘everything is in order,’ while administratively the exact opposite is happening.”
The protest is expected to draw significant attention to the ongoing struggle of Banchi Nuovi to maintain its vital role as a cultural and social center in Naples.
