Last week a senior executive of the nuclear power arm of Italian engineering giant Finmeccanica was ambushed and shot in the leg as he was leaving his home in Genoa for work.
An anarchist terrorist group, the Olga Nucleus of the Informal Anarchist Federation-International Revolutionary Front has claimed responsibility for the shooting and says it has another seven attacks planned. The group also said it was responsible for sending a letter bomb to one of the offices of Italy’s Equitalia tax debt collection agency.
The shooting led to Italy’s government stating that it fears a resurgence of internal terrorism of the kind which blighted Italy during the so called Years of Lead. The Years of Lead period began in the late 1960s and ran until the early 1980s before tailing off at about the same time as the Berlin wall came down. While this may have been pure coincidence, it may not have been. Behind Italy’s Years of Lead was the Cold War – a battle waged to keep the communists at bay. Fears that communists may have gained the upper hand in Italy peaked in the 70s and early 80s, then the Berlin wall came down and the Cold War ended as the threat of communist domination diminished.
The silent battle to keep communists taking control of Italy left nearly 2,000 people dead.
Years of Lead in Italy
Italy’s Years of Lead were characterized by extensive socio-political turmoil and various acts of violence. The perpetrators of the violent episodes were extreme left such as the Red Brigades and extreme right movements like the Ordine Nuovo – New Order. It is also suspected that Italy’s secret services may have orchestrated certain acts of violence in conjunction with either terrorist groups or with the assistance of organized crime. Adding to the intrigue are claims that the United States and the United Kingdom may have been intervening to keep the communist threat at bay in Italy.
Lurking in shadows behind Italy’s secret services lay politicians playing power games. Some of these politicians formed the infamous P2 – a secret, right wing, masonic society which aimed to buy its way towards control of Italy.
Former prime minister Giulio Andreotti is one such Italian politician who is said to have manipulated events during the dark years of lead. Although he was not, as far as is known, a member of the P2, he does appear to have been linked to the machinations of the organisation. Andreotti was convicted of his involvement in the murder of a journalist who made allegations that he had clear links to organized crime in Italy. An appeal court later quashed Andreotti’s conviction. Doubts still remain though.
Indeed, there are still lots of loose ends and unanswered questions with regard to Italy’s infamous Years of Lead.
Years of Lead, the Sequel?
In some ways, Italy appears to be once again entering a further period of socio-political unrest, although some Italians might argue that the Years of Lead have never really ended.
It is true that have been fewer terrorist attacks since the official end of this complex period of Italy’s history, but attacks have nonetheless continued, albeit much more sporadically, and, in the main, less violently than the Bologna station bombing.
Depending on what you read, behind the socio-political turmoil which led to Italy’s Years of Lead lay either social unrest, an internal power struggle or a concerted attempt to prevent communism taking root in Italy. Perhaps a combination of all three.
Upon delving more deeply into the Years of Lead, one is left with the impression that the period was exploited by other mysterious factions, such as the aforementioned and supposedly defunct P2 secret society which counted politicians, generals, industrialists and journalists among its membership. While some of the terrorist attacks appeared to be the work of extremist left-wing groups, other attacks of terrorism, by either left or right wing terrorists, may have been engineered to fit the strategies of those who wished to take control of Italy.
A Never Ending Power Struggle
Even if the Cold War is now but a memory, the struggle for control of Italy never really seems to have ended, as is evidenced by the emergence of suspected P3 and P4 organizations, which, presumably had (have?) the same aims as the original P2 group – the objectives of the P3 and P4 secret organizations is still under investigation. That aim seems to be to place the control of Italy in the hands of a specific group of people. Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s ex-prime minister is suspected of having connections to the P2 group, and some in his party are caught up in the P3, P4 inquiries. Berlusconi has denied any links to the P2, though a membership card bearing his name casts doubt on his denial.
The problem for Italy is that many of the people behind the mysterious groups which infiltrated Italy’s secret services, engaged ‘mercenaries’ from organized crime gangs, and manipulated the terrorist activities of right wing extremist groups are still at large. With Italy once more entering a period of socio-political unrest, such people may well be wondering whether the time is right for them to blow the dust off their master plans and make another bid to take over the running of Italy.
Whether these unscrupulous types will seize the moment remains to be seen, but Italy’s interior minister is considering putting Italy’s military on standby. This does not bode too well. As of late 2013, nothing has happened, although soldiers did end up on Italy’s streets as a precautionary measure to reduce levels of street crime, or so went the official justification.
The speed of the reaction by Italy’s government to the Genoa incident would appear to suggest that it, or something like it, had been expected. Now that ‘it’ has happened, Italy’s government is giving the impression an escalation is expected but that the authorities will be ready for it. The message being sent out by Italy’s government could be viewed as being a form of veiled warning to others who might be thinking of stirring up trouble. Whether the warning will have any effect remains to be seen. Today, late 2013, other major incidents have not occurred, although there was the myserious bombing of a school in south Italy which killed a girl. While the bomber was caught, his motive for the attack has not been made clear.
Mario Monti, Italy’s Prime Minister at the time this was written will have observed developments carefully as he will have been well aware of Italy’s leaden past. Whether he managed to nip an escalation in the bud is unknown, but there have been no visible attempts at coups, so maybe he did keep the threat at bay, if such a threat really existed, that is.
Further reading: The Guardian – Italian anarchists kneecap nuclear executive and threaten more shootings
Gambizzazione is not Kneecapping
As a matter of curiosity, the Genoa shoot incident mentioned at the start of this post has been reported as ‘kneecapping’ by foreign press. This is not strictly true, as the Italian term gambizzazione actually refers to the criminal act of shooting people in the legs. Shots are not always deliberately aimed at the knees. I too admit to having translated gambizzazione as kneecapping, but noticed the word ‘gamba’ forming part of the term and decided to check – Wikipedia Italy provided the answer.
I suspect shooting someone in the leg is not quite as damaging as attempting to destroy a kneecap. Small consolation, I know.
Paul says
Many thanks Alex for the thoughtful honest reply.
Paul says
With regard to Monti’s positve words about cycling, such is the cynicism in Italy in some/many quarters that I’ve seen it suggested that this is simply a precursor to taxing cycle use 🙁
On the subject of parties, I’d be interested in folk’s views about their relationship to the people/population. I sometimes have the feeling that the problems go somewhat beyond the parties – that folk are somewhat too ready to blame the politicians. Take the ballooning local admin jobs – yes, used by politicians maybe as favours, but who voted for them on this basis/accepted them? A sensitive area I realise./
A great blog as always.
Alex Roe says
Before the bike tax, will be the pizza tax, Paul 🙂 That will be followed by the pasta tax.
Re the parties, it has to be remembered that their members are Italians, so it could be argued that they are representative of what Italians are really like, though some Italians would not entirely agree, I’m sure.
Maybe Italians are a little too quick to blame the politicians, but the politicians leave themselves wide open to blame by forever promising and never delivering. The main reason why Italy stutters along is it is badly managed and the politicians are supposed to be the country managers, but they don’t or can’t.
As for local admin jobs – they are a ‘payment’ for votes. Votes made simply because you’ll get a job out of it are not really that valid, nor representative of what down to earth Italians would like. I do meet a lot of Italians who despair of their nation and think it’s beyond help. Others cannot believe why I am still here.
Italy could sort itself out but those holding power – not Monti – but the rest, simply do not want Italy to change and will continue to use the votes for jobs exchange. This situation makes changing Italy an uphill struggle to say the least.
Glad you liked this blog.
Cheers,
Alex
Diana says
Hi ALex,
Sadly I only came across your articles this week-end. Better late than never!
I moved form UK to Italy in 1975 and have been here ever since. I was here during those Lead Years and have been part of what has happened since. I fear that this time round will be so different and the outcome will be devastating.
There was no internet then like there is now. With just a few clicks those behind the scenes can organise so much more this time compared to then.
This time there is also so much more social unrest, with the recently introduced taxes with so many people unemployed, with an ex-comic as the only alternative to corrupt and scheming politicans and their parties. that I fear more people, even though they know that violence is not the answer, will be sympathetic to the cause that those behind the incidents are promoting.
I fear Italy will soon be in a far worse state than Greece is and what is the future for the younger generation here?
Diana
Alex Roe says
Hi Diana,
You’ve been here a good long time – long enough to understand how Italy feels. That you are worried has worried me seeing as you think the situation is even worse now than it was during the Lead Years.
Italy’s scheming politicians have a lot for answer for and have spent far too much time plotting and not enough time planning for Italy’s future. That Grillo is considered a viable alternative is a little worrying, but Grillo is no ordinary comic. I hope he and his movement can help Italy out of its troubles. The other ‘comedians’ have pulled Italy’s leg to the point that it’s about to fall off.
The younger generation has reason to feel disillusioned. However, Italy does have more to offer than Greece in terms of exports and the like. If we are lucky, it will pick itself up, but not with the usual crowd blocking Monti at every possible opportunity. Their irresponsibility is shocking.
I hope the situation does not erupt here, but things are not looking too good.
Best,
Alex
Diana says
In my opinion, Monti has failed – but there is no alternative right now as all the other parties (why are they called ‘parties’ as it implies that they are having a good time surely?) got it wrong before him and have no concrete ideas for after him.
The news today is all bad. How can taxing everyone except the banks (huh?) put things right? Fewer people working means less money being spent which leads to less money coming in for him. I know nothing about politics but I do know that if nothing comes in then there i nothing to spend! He must create jobs otherwise where will people get the money from to pay his taxes?
Unless he releases money into businesses (how about paying back all that the government owes in unpaid bills to many firms for starters?) there will soon be no exports. If the problems in the Euro zone worsen, then other countries will not buy our goods. This will cause even more jobs to go.
I see from a new headline that he suggests we all go back to using a bike! That would mean even more taxes lost.. His plan has gone wrong as it was all in one direction and I have the feeling that he is clutching at last straws…. and it’s only Monday!
Diana says
Alex, an afterthought.
Have you considered the warmer weather and calmer seas that will soon allow boatloads of illegal immigrants to arrive here from Libya who will be more than willing to enroll with those who are planning the next disruptions?
Alex Roe says
Those immigrants are already starting to arrive – by the boatload. Not sure they’ll stop too long in Italy – Italians can’t find work, let alone non-Italian speakers. Here in Milan there are immigrants begging in the streets – first time I’ve seen this, and others have seen it too around Italy.
I think the authorities are clamping down on illegal employees and businesses are letting them go.
I don’t think the immigrants will cause too many problems – but it depends on how many arrive and where they end up.
Well shall see – very shortly.
Ciao,
Alex
Paolo Feroleto says
Ciao Alex
another interesting article, thanks for sharing. It’s quite alarming that this recent incident happened. Let’s not hope it’s a reprisal of the “Lead Years”, perhaps Mr B had made so many deals to keep the peace as well as his other indiscretions!
Regards
Paolo
Alex Roe says
Hi Paolo,
Glad you found the article interesting. The recent incident is alarming and has certainly alarmed the authorities in Italy. The speed of the reaction suggests they were expecting something – which is even more worrying.
Who knows what deals Mr B has made and with whom. He may not be too interested in keeping the peace knowing how power hungry he seems to be. Not good.
Cheers,
Alex
Lorenza Bacino says
Oh this fills me with dread actually. My Father left Italy during Gli anni di Piombo as he felt very unhappy at the turn of events. I remember well when Aldo Moro was taken and killed so brutally, and I remember the Bologna bombing. The intrigue and ongoing impunity does not fill me with hope at this stage
Alex Roe says
Hi Lorenza,
I think I can understand why your father left Italy – very uncertain, and dangerous, times in Italy. A return to those dark days would not be welcomed by many in Italy, even if certain groups would like to bring chaos on the country and then try to rise from the ashes.
Curious how the worries are mounting so soon after the deposing of Mr B, is it not?
Best,
Alex