Success at the mercy of nationalism: Lucano under attack

Riace's claim to fame...

The Calabrian town of Riace is back in the news. Well, "back" for those who are old enough to remember the excitement generated when two huge bronze statues were discovered in the sea there in 1972. They are now known as the Riace Bronzes (Bronzi di Riace) and they are a testament to a time when a good part of Italy was dotted with Greek city-states. No one knows why the statues of the warriors ended up in the water: perhaps they were too Greek for the sensitivities of the nascent Roman Empire.

Riace's return to the spotlight has been gradual and is thanks to its ex-mayor, Mimmo (Domenico) Lucano. Lucano is famous for having turned the dying Italian town into a vibrant, thriving and cultural hub. In fact, after he was elected Mayor in 2004, he made Riace a model of integration and sustainability by welcoming immigrants and supporting them to revitalise the local economy. His achievements were feted around the world. In 2010 Lucano came second in the World Mayor competition and in 2016 he was listed by Fortune as one of the best world leaders. He also received the Dresden Peace Prize in 2017.

Lucano under attack

However, not everyone was happy. Lucano's dogs were poisoned and he was even shot at in 2009, shortly after his reelection. Then, in October 2018, Lucano was charged with aiding illegal immigration by facilitating marriages of convenience. His trial started last Friday and includes other similar accusations. Many believe that the accusations are politically motivated and that the authorities are deliberately giving him a rough time. He has even been exiled form Riace.

Like his fellow bronze warriors, who may not have been "Italian" enough in their appearance, Lucano is not Italian enough in his outlook. His achievements are being reversed and Riace is beginning to look like a ghost town once again. Italy, whose population is dwindling, is full of them. I rattle around in one of them myself. 

Destructive and self-destructive nationalism

It will be interesting to see what sort of punishment will be meted out to Lucano, if he is convicted. Bigots and nationalist, of which there are many, would no doubt be glad to see him or his ideas sink as the bronzes had done before him; and as migrants continue to do, by the thousands. This is nationalism at the cost of decency and common sense; nationalism at the cost of survival

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