Despite the organizational efforts and commitment of the associations involved, the “Coordinamento No G7” demonstration held in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele saw little participation. However, the event was an opportunity to forcefully reiterate three fundamental points: a firm “No” to war, a convinced “Yes” to climate and environmental protection, and strong support for Palestine.
Local Opposition to Edison’s Projects
At a local level, the movement expressed its opposition to the Edison gas project in the port of Brindisi, near which the afternoon meeting took place. The “NO G7 Coordination Table” has in fact invited associations, movements and citizens to participate in a further meeting held on Friday 31 May at 6.00 pm in the gardens of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, near the port of Brindisi. The objective was to bring to the attention of public opinion the choices that influence the city, such as the relocation of the new “Trieste” aircraft carrier and Edison’s LNG gas depots.
Militarization Concerns and Local Impacts
During the event the growing militarization of the territory was discussed, highlighting the inconveniences that the citizens of Brindisi will suffer when the G7 leaders meet for a dinner at the Castello Svevo on 13 June. The organizers underlined that the decisions taken by the G7 countries over the years are the basis of global tensions that risk escalating into a world conflict.
The Choice of Brindisi for the “Trieste” Aircraft Carrier
The choice to locate the new aircraft carrier in Brindisi was not accidental. In a city facing a serious industrial crisis with the prospect of losing thousands of jobs, new forms of employment are making space, such as the military, also in view of a possible return to compulsory military service.
Economic and Social Impacts of Military Expenditures
The organizers also highlighted how spending on rearmament and a larger army risks reducing resources allocated to health, education and social services. Increasingly small funds are allocated to municipalities, provinces and regions. Furthermore, new investments in the fossil fuel sector, such as Edison’s LNG deposit and the Brundisium project for the construction of a petrol and diesel deposit, further consolidate this direction.
Vision for the Future of Brindisi
The vision of an increasingly militarized port transformed into a service station is one of the main concerns of the “No G7 Coordination”, which continues to fight for a different future for Brindisi and for the entire planet. The objective remains to raise public awareness and mobilize citizens for a future that favors peace, environmental sustainability and social well-being, while rejecting political and economic choices that threaten to compromise these values.
