Circo Massimo – Lo spettacolo della politica

Episode Title: Le destre che litigano sul corpo delle donne
Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Massimo Giannini (OnePodcast)

Episode Overview

This episode of "Circo Massimo – Lo spettacolo della politica" focuses on the bitter political divisions in Italy’s right-wing coalition concerning women’s rights and violence against women. Airing just after the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25), Massimo Giannini analyzes not only the historical roots and symbolism of this date, but also Italy’s legislative paralysis on sexual violence law reform. The episode contrasts public demonstrations of solidarity with political maneuvering and highlights the lack of bipartisan unity on issues that transcend left-right divides.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Significance of November 25

• [00:02] Giannini explains that November 25 is not a random date—it commemorates the Mirabal sisters, murdered in 1960 for their activism under Trujillo’s regime. The day stands as a symbol of both sacrifice and the fight for women’s rights.

  • “Le tre attiviste, Patria, Minerva e Maria Teresa, vennero uccise nel 1960 dal regime di Rafael Trujillo per il loro impegno politico. Da allora, las mariposas sono diventate un simbolo di resistenza e di libertà.” — Massimo Giannini [00:25]

• He laments the lost opportunity for Italian politics to convey a unified message on such a crucial occasion.

2. The Power of Public Protest

• [01:18] - [01:54] Clips from women’s marches in Milan and other cities, with loud, passionate slogans ("Siamo il grido altissimo!") demonstrating public commitment to the cause.
• Giannini juxtaposes these scenes with the political discord unfolding in Parliament, emphasizing a contrast between civil society’s mobilization and the government’s internal strife.

3. Legislative Setback on Sexual Violence Law

• [01:54] Attention shifts to the unexpected stalling of a major bipartisan bill on sexual violence (amending Article 609 bis of the Italian Penal Code to better define consent), which had cross-party support and was seen as a key step forward, aligning Italian law with the Istanbul Convention.
  • “È una norma fondamentale, quella che riscrive l’articolo 609 bis del codice penale sul reato di stupro... che prevede finalmente e sancisce finalmente il consenso libero e attuale che ogni donna deve poter esprimere, prima, durante e dopo un rapporto sessuale. Se manca quel consenso libero e attuale, è sempre reato di stupro. non si scappa.” — Giannini [03:00]
• Despite earlier unanimous approval in the Chamber of Deputies, the bill was abruptly delayed in the Senate at the request of the right-wing coalition (Lega, Fratelli d’Italia, Forza Italia), citing vague “technical” concerns.
  • The parliamentary commission chair (Lega) insisted the bill was not dead, just postponed for minor revisions, though no concrete issues were cited.

4. Political Motivations and Coalition Tensions

• Giannini speculates about the real reasons behind this postponement. He references possible internal tensions among right-wing parties, especially following local election results in Veneto.
  • “L’allusione che Schlein fa è a possibili frizioni all’interno della coalizione…” [06:12]
• The Democratic Party leader, Elly Schlein, directly contacted PM Giorgia Meloni to hold her to their prior agreement, but the outcome of their conversation remains undisclosed.

5. Regressive Attitudes within the Government

• Giannini calls out problematic statements by key ministers:
  • Justice Minister Carlo Nordio: Suggested women should seek refuge in churches or pharmacies if threatened, and asserted that male superiority is biologically ingrained.
    • “Ha ripetuto più volte, persino in aula, in Parlamento, che quando una donna è inseguita da uno stalker o da uno stupratore si deve rifugiare in farmacia o in chiesa... È nel codice genetico dell’uomo quello di sentirsi superiore alla donna…” — Giannini [07:50]
  • Minister Eugenia Roccella: Dismissed the need for sexual and emotional education in schools, wrongly citing Sweden as evidence that such education does not reduce violence against women.
    • “Ha ribadito che è inutile inserire tra le materie di studio delle scuole l’educazione sessuale affettiva…” — Giannini [09:17]
  • Giannini counters these stances by noting that higher reported rates of violence in Nordic countries reflect greater willingness among women to report, not actual higher violence rates.

6. Emphasis on Punitive Approaches Over Prevention

• While the bill on making femicide an autonomous crime passed smoothly in the Chamber, Giannini criticizes the government’s focus on repression rather than prevention and education.
  • “Di nuovo siamo nella logica della repressione e non della prevenzione. Siamo nella logica del penale e non della cultura...” — Giannini [11:00]

7. Call to Action from President Mattarella

• Citing President Sergio Mattarella’s forceful remarks for the Day against Violence on Women, Giannini highlights the need for urgent and uncompromising action.
  • “Nessuna scusa. Questo è lo slogan che il Presidente della Repubblica rilancia ancora una volta... per chi in Parlamento non fa tutto quel che deve perché questa vergogna prima o poi finisca.” — Giannini [12:10]
• He points out the paradox of conservative figures in government, including those with strong Catholic backgrounds, impeding essential civil rights legislation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the historical importance of November 25:
  “Da allora, las mariposas sono diventate un simbolo di resistenza e di libertà.” — Massimo Giannini [00:25]

• On the refusal to find unity on violence against women:
  “Proprio ieri sarebbe stato importante che anche la politica italiana lanciasse un messaggio forte di unità e di condivisione rispetto a una battaglia nella quale non possono esistere destra e sinistra ma solo la civiltà e invece purtroppo non è stato così.” — Giannini [00:49]

• On the Senate’s abrupt delay of the law:
  “Nessuno sa quali siano questi aspetti tecnici da correggere e da migliorare. Sta di fatto che il disegno di legge si è fermato.” — Giannini [05:22]

• On President Mattarella’s message:
  “Nessuna scusa per non soltanto le violenze nei confronti delle donne, ma anche per tutto ciò che impedisce quelle violenze.” — Giannini quoting Mattarella [12:10]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02 – Background on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the Mirabal sisters
• 01:18 – Audio of women’s protest slogans; emphasis on societal mobilization
• 01:54 – The Senate surprise postponement of the consent law
• 05:22 – Discussion of parliamentary commission’s vague “technical” justification
• 06:12 – Allusions to coalition friction among the right
• 07:50 – Problematic statements from Minister Nordio
• 09:17 – Critique of Minister Roccella’s stance on sex education
• 11:00 – Criticism of a punitive vs. preventive approach
• 12:10 – Quote from President Mattarella; urgent call for action

Tone & Style

The episode is delivered in Massimo Giannini’s incisive, passionate style, balancing historical reflection with sharp political critique. He brings urgency and moral clarity to the topic, underscoring both the symbolic and practical stakes involved.

Summary

This episode draws a vivid contrast between Italy’s vibrant civil society call for an end to violence against women and the political right’s divisions and inertia on crucial legislative action. Giannini’s sharp analysis exposes the government’s internal contradictions and the lasting need for cultural as well as legal change, making clear that women’s rights must transcend party lines and political gamesmanship.