Confronting the Far-Right: Lessons from Italy and Spain

The Leo Panitch School is pleased to present Confronting the Far-Right: Lessons from Italy and Spain. We are honoured to welcome Clara Serra and Salvatore Prinzi to Toronto to lead us in a discussion of this vital topic. Clara and Salvatore are both activists, authors, and philosophers, experienced in movements confronting the rise of the far-right in Spain and Italy, respectively.

How did the rise of the contemporary far-right come about in Southern Europe? How are left and anti-fascist movements responding to this? What lessons can the socialist left in Canada take from the experiences of Italy and Spain?

The Spanish and Italian movements against the right have taken a number of expected as well as more experimental forms. Clara and Salvatore will lead us in a discussion of what they’ve witnessed and participated in. This will range from the effects of the decline of the traditional social democratic parties, to the role of mutual aid, to new and creative forms of community activation. They will also discuss the role of feminism in fighting the growth of the far-right, and how socialist feminism becoming a hegemonic political ideal may be the key to turning young men away from fascism.

This event is being organized by the Leo Panitch School for Socialist Education, with support from the Socialist Project and the Global Labour Research Centre.

Those in attendance are warmly invited to gather afterwards to socialize and continue the discussion. Complementary refreshments will be on offer. Beverages, merch, and literature will be available with all proceeds going to the LPSSE’s educational programming!

About the speakers

Clara Serra is a philosopher and feminist from Madrid. In 2013, she was a representative of Podemos in the Madrid Assembly until 2019. She is a member of the feminist network Alianzas Rebeldes. Clara has written on a number topics, including feminist strategy, politics, and most recently, consent.

Salvatore Prinzi was one of the founders of Ex OPG in 2015 and later Potere al Popolo. He has published works on numerous topics, including social class, Italian politics, and fascism. He is currently conducting new work around the issue of the minimum wage in Italy.

Accessibility

College Street United Church is located at College and Bathurst in Toronto. The building is wheelchair accessible and features multiple accessible, gender neutral washrooms. We kindly ask all attendees to refrain from wearing scented products at Leo Panitch School events.

Any questions or requests regarding accessibility, participation, or programming can be directed to info@leopanitchschool.ca.