Circo Massimo – Lo spettacolo della politica

Episode: La crociata delle destre Maga e Mega in nome di Kirk
Date: September 22, 2025
Host: Massimo Giannini (OnePodcast)

Episode Overview

This episode explores how the far-right across the globe, from the U.S. “Maga” movement to European populist parties, is symbolically rallying around the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, a Trump-aligned influencer. Massimo Giannini critically dissects the political “appropriation” of Kirk’s death, the way this event is spun into a global crusade against the left, and how Italian leaders Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Salvini participate in the spectacle. The narrative traverses major rallies in both the U.S. and Italy, with Giannini highlighting the use of rhetoric, collective victimization, and an escalating culture war that transforms Kirk into a martyr for the new hard right.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Cult of Charlie Kirk – Symbol and Martyr (00:02–03:59)

• Giannini opens by referencing Menander’s maxim that “those the gods love die young,” using it ironically to frame Kirk’s transformation into a heroic martyr for the right.
• Funeral in Arizona: Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and the "Maga" community elevate Kirk’s image, setting the tone for global right-wing mimicry.
• Italian politicians leap on the symbolism, with Giannini identifying a “derby” between right-wing parties to claim Kirk’s legacy.

Notable Quote

• Massimo Giannini (00:33):
  “Charlie Kirk diventa il grande guerriero scomparso che guiderà le battaglie future contro tutte le sinistre del mondo.”

2. Meloni’s Double Message – From Rancor to Sunday Cheer (03:00–05:16)

• Giorgia Meloni: At Fratelli d’Italia’s youth event, she conflates contemporary criticism with the violence of Italy’s “anni di piombo,” warning against what she sees as continued persecution from the left.
  • Reiterates condemnation of a student group's post against Kirk, escalating claims about threats and hatred, yet simultaneously tries to soften her image with a warm, nostalgic TV appearance.
• Giannini’s Critique: Sees these rhetorical moves as cynical, contrasting the violent undertone with Meloni’s “diplomatic” Sunday media persona.

Notable Quote

• Giorgia Meloni (paraphrased by Giannini, 03:13):
  “Non abbiam paura oggi… accostamento dissennato e avvelenato tra gli anni di piombo e i tempi moderni.”

3. Salvini and Pontida – Hardline Appropriation & Spectacle (05:16–08:30)

• Salvini’s Rally: The annual Lega youth gathering in Pontida becomes a stage for anti-migrant, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and for associating the party with Kirk’s martyrdom.
  • Aggressive slogans and merchandise (“Charlie vive con noi” T-shirts outselling those of the Lega itself).
  • Salvini frames Kirk as a victim of leftist violence, calls for applause instead of silence, and announces a record-setting future rally for Western values.
• Other Voices: General Vannacci (Lega) pushes for teaching controversial oaths in schools, reinforcing militant conservatism.

Notable Quote

• Matteo Salvini (as paraphrased/narrated by Giannini, 07:34):
  “Permettetemi di chiedere… un minuto di applauso che arrivi fino all’Arizona.”

4. The Internationalization of Kirk’s Martyrdom – Right-wing Solidarity Across Europe (08:30–14:35)

• French Far-Right: Jordan Bardella (Le Pen’s party) at Pontida, frames Kirk’s death as a free speech martyrdom, calls out supposed leftist and Islamist threats to Western values.
• Spanish Vox: Santiago Abascal decries “demonization” by enemies, maintains an “us vs. them” narrative, reinforcing siege mentality.
• Brazilian Bolsonaro Clan: Flavio Bolsonaro invokes the right to “liberty,” “democracy,” and “tolerance,” which Giannini exposes as staggeringly hypocritical considering Jair Bolsonaro’s record.
• Giannini’s Analysis: Notes the broadening and cynical exploitation of Kirk’s death into a pan-Western right-wing rallying cry.

Notable Quotes

• Jordan Bardella (as reported by Giannini, 10:22):
  “La libertà di espressione è il cuore della civiltà occidentale… oggi quella libertà è minacciata.”
• Flavio Bolsonaro (paraphrased by Giannini, 12:46):
  “Noi difendiamo la libertà, la democrazia, la tolleranza, il lavoro, la libertà d’impresa…”

5. Broad European Echoes – The “Gesù Charlie” Slogan (14:35–end)

• Leading populists and far-right leaders throughout Europe (Farage in UK, Wilders in Netherlands, Weidel and Höcke in Germany, Swedish and Danish radical right politicians) all issue statements or take symbolic actions aligning with Kirk’s supposed martyrdom.
  • Common themes: Supposed persecution by the left, threats to free speech, demonization of conservatism, calls for unity in face of radical Islam and leftist violence.
  • “Gesù Charlie” emerges as a slogan, recasting Kirk as a quasi-religious figure for the movement.

Notable Quotes

• Alice Weidel (Germany, as quoted by Giannini, 15:22):
  “Kirk è un combattente della libertà d’espressione abbattuto da un fanatico…”
• Slogan reported by Giannini (Denmark, 16:43):
  “Gesù Charlie.”

Memorable Moments & Critique

• Irony and Paradox: Giannini repeatedly underscores the paradoxical use of terms like “tolerance” and “democracy” by figures linked to authoritarianism or violent histories.
• Globalization of Victimhood: The Kirk case accelerates the global exchange of victimization tropes and ready-made enemies among Europe’s and America’s far right.
• Political Commodification: Kirk’s image is not just mourned but commercialized (“T-shirts hanno venduto molto di più delle stesse che inneggiavano al Carroccio” – 06:11).

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02–03:59: Introduction, Kirk’s funeral, and the symbolic rush among right-wing parties
• 03:00–05:16: Giorgia Meloni’s dual communication—hardline at party event, soft at Sunday TV
• 05:16–08:30: The Lega youth rally in Pontida, with inflammatory slogans and Salvini’s response
• 08:30–14:35: International right-wing leaders at Pontida and adoption of Kirk’s martyrdom
• 14:35–end: Pan-European reactions, the “Gesù Charlie” phenomenon, and Giannini’s closing remarks

Tone and Language

• Critical, sharp, and ironic—Giannini employs vivid commentary, stark juxtapositions, and periodic direct quotes.
• Continues to question the sincerity, implications, and effects of how the new right manipulates symbols and events.

This episode delivers a sweeping, incisive snapshot of how symbolism, cultural memory, and political convenience converge in the new right’s ongoing spectacle—turning tragedy into internationalized propaganda, and weaving disparate national actors into a theater of collective grievance and defiance.