Podcast Summary

Podcast: Circo Massimo – Lo spettacolo della politica
Host: Massimo Giannini
Episode: Nonna Gianna, Sanremo e la ’Repupplica’ dei patrioti
Date: February 26, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Massimo Giannini reflects on the meaning and current relevance of the Italian Republic and its Constitution, sparked by a viral moment during the Sanremo Festival involving 105-year-old Gianna Pratesi. He explores the symbolism of this scene against the backdrop of contemporary Italian politics, recent attempts to modify the Constitution, and the importance of shared national values amidst growing polarization.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Reflection on Nilde Iotti and the Founding of the Republic

• Giannini starts with a quote from Nilde Iotti, highlighting the need to preserve the Republic by embracing the Constitution ([00:02]):
  • “Questa Repubblica si può salvare, ma per questo deve diventare la Repubblica della Costituzione.”
• He recalls the pivotal role played by Iotti and other historic figures in drafting Italy’s Constitution, underlining how foundational the collective work of diverse thinkers was for the nation's identity.

2. Sanremo Festival and Gianna Pratesi’s Testimony

• The episode shifts to recounting a scene from the first night of the Sanremo Festival, where Gianna Pratesi, at 105 years old, shares her memory of the 1946 referendum:
  • “Noi siamo una famiglia di sinistra e tutti insieme abbiamo votato per la Repubblica.” ([02:30])
• Giannini praises both Gianna’s sincerity and Sanremo host Carlo Conti for commemorating the Republic's significance and the sacrifices that made it possible ([03:50]).
• The testimony is framed as a heartfelt lesson in civility and unity, especially relevant today.

3. Polarization in Political Discourse

• The host laments the extreme polarization and victimhood in current Italian political debate, particularly among the ruling party ([06:25]):
  • “Sappiamo quanto il discorso pubblico e politico sia inquinato da una polarizzazione insopportabile e anche da un vittimismo che caratterizza soprattutto chi oggi governa il Paese.”
• He suggests that Gianna Pratesi’s naive-seeming wisdom points toward reconciliation and mutual respect, something Italy now sorely lacks.

4. The Sanremo 'Repupplica' Incident

• Giannini details the gaffe during Sanremo: the projected “54% alla Repupplica” on the screen behind Gianna Pratesi, where “Repubblica” was misspelled with two ‘P’s ([07:10]).
• He muses whether such carelessness reflects a deeper malaise — a disregard for shared values and historical accuracy.

5. Returning to Nilde Iotti and the Spirit of the Constitution

• Giannini revisits a 1995 interview with Nilde Iotti, emphasizing the Constitution’s greatness as a synthesis of diverse political traditions ([10:00]):
  • Notable quote from Iotti ([10:40]):
    “Mi sento imbarazzata a parlare dell'anima di sinistra... nella Costituzione c’è l’incontro di esperienze, di pensieri, di teorie... Ciò che fa grande la nostra Costituzione è il fatto che... [hanno] saputo trovare i punti comuni in cui ogni italiano poteva ritrovarsi e riconoscersi.”
• Iotti’s caution in amending the Constitution is highlighted as especially pertinent in today’s climate, where constitutional reforms are being advanced unilaterally.

6. Warnings About Constitutional Reform

• Closing, Giannini warns against amending the Constitution without broad consensus, echoing both Iotti and Pratesi’s appeals for unity ([13:45]):
  • “State attenti a mettere mano alla Costituzione, che è la casa di tutti gli italiani e tale deve rimanere.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nilde Iotti's principle (quoted by Giannini at 00:02):
  “Questa Repubblica si può salvare, ma per questo deve diventare la Repubblica della Costituzione.”
• Gianna Pratesi ([02:30]):
  “Noi siamo una famiglia di sinistra e tutti insieme abbiamo votato per la Repubblica.”
• Giannini on polarization ([06:25]):
  “Sappiamo quanto il discorso pubblico e politico sia inquinato da una polarizzazione insopportabile...”
• Iotti on the Constitution ([10:40]):
  “Ciò che fa grande la nostra Costituzione è il fatto che... [hanno] saputo trovare i punti comuni in cui ogni italiano poteva ritrovarsi e riconoscersi...”
• Closing warning ([13:45]):
  “State attenti a mettere mano alla Costituzione, che è la casa di tutti gli italiani e tale deve rimanere.”

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – Intro, quote from Nilde Iotti about the Republic and Constitution
• 02:30 – Gianna Pratesi’s testimony at Sanremo, 1946 referendum memory
• 03:50 – Host’s thoughts on the importance of Gianna’s words and Sanremo’s role
• 06:25 – Reflection on political polarization and the civic message
• 07:10 – The 'Repupplica' typo incident at Sanremo and its cultural symbolism
• 10:00 – Recall of Nilde Iotti's 1995 interview on the spirit and unity behind the Constitution
• 10:40 – Iotti’s key quote on what makes the Constitution great
• 13:45 – Closing appeal: safeguarding the shared Constitution

Tone & Language

Massimo Giannini uses an engaged, passionate, and somewhat mournful tone, combining respect for history with concern for the present state of politics. The episode is a heartfelt call to remember foundational values and resist division, punctuated by personal stories and strong historical references.

In Summary

This episode of "Circo Massimo" weaves together history, civic pride, and current anxieties over constitutional reform, using a moving scene from Sanremo and testimonies by two remarkable women—Gianna Pratesi and Nilde Iotti—to remind listeners of the importance of unity, memory, and prudence in public life. The overarching message: the Constitution is the shared home of all Italians, and must be defended as such, especially in times of discord.