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Pro-Palestinian and Cultural Workers’ Protests Mark La Scala’s Season Opening in Milan

Parallel presidiums spotlight disputes over arts funding, political interference.

Overview

  • Two separate gatherings formed in Piazza della Scala, with a CGIL-led presidium for performing-arts workers alongside a Cub-organized pro-Palestinian protest.
  • Protesters cited a court finding that the dismissal of a Scala usher who shouted “Palestina libera” was unlawful and reprised the same chant.
  • Mohammad Hannoun, president of the Palestinian Community of Italy, addressed the crowd by phone and noted he had received a one-year removal order from Milan.
  • A group of La Scala orchestra players and choristers performed “Va, pensiero” in the square to press for cultural-sector support and freedom from political interference.
  • CGIL’s Milan chief urged investment in the “knowledge economy” over military priorities, while workers from Venice’s La Fenice voiced concern about Beatrice Venezi’s appointment as music director.