The iconic Italian song “Bella Ciao,” historically known as an anti-fascist anthem, has emerged as a potent symbol of protest against Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Orbán, widely criticized for his nationalist policies and “illiberal democracy,” has faced numerous confrontations with the European Union. Recently, the song’s resonance was evident when members of the European Parliament used “Bella Ciao” to express their disapproval of his administration. This raises questions about the song’s evolution from a 20th-century resistance anthem to a global protest symbol and its current relevance in the context of Orbán’s leadership.
The scene unfolded during a European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg on Wednesday. Following Orbán’s speech outlining Hungary’s priorities for the 2024 EU presidency, left-wing Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) broke into a rendition of “Bella Ciao.” The song lasted for about 20 seconds before Roberta Metsola, the European Parliament President, intervened, stating, “This is not the Eurovision.” Metsola, seeking to maintain order, emphasized the need to “respect the dignity of this House” as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was scheduled to speak next.
The choice of “Bella Ciao” for this political statement was far from arbitrary. The song, born during Italy’s anti-fascist resistance against Nazi occupation in World War II, has become a universal symbol of the fight for freedom and resistance against oppressive regimes. Orbán has been accused of undermining democratic values, particularly regarding the rule of law, minority rights, and immigration. His criticism of the EU’s support for Ukraine and his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin have further strained his relationship with the European Union.
“Bella Ciao” transcends its Italian roots, resonating across the globe as a protest anthem. Its origins lie with Italian partisans during World War II, where it tells the story of a fighter bidding farewell to his beloved before heading into battle, likely never to return. The song’s most powerful lines include: “If I die as a partisan, you must bury me… under the shadow of a beautiful flower… This is the flower of the partisan who died for freedom.”
Over time, “Bella Ciao” has found its voice in various contexts of resistance, expanding beyond its anti-fascist origins. For example, it is sung annually on Italy’s Liberation Day to commemorate the fall of Benito Mussolini’s regime. More recently, it has been embraced by movements advocating for women’s rights in Poland, environmental campaigns, and anti-government demonstrations in Iran, Turkey, and Hong Kong. The song’s global reach is evident in the recent incident where a group of students at Tehran’s female-only Al-Zahra University sang a Persian rendition of “Bella Ciao.” This event follows protests at the university against Iranian President Raisi, further highlighting the song’s potent symbol of dissent.
The song’s rising popularity can be partly attributed to its prominent use in the Spanish Netflix series “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist), which catapulted it to global recognition. The Hungarian left-wing MEPs’ decision to use “Bella Ciao” during Orbán’s European Parliament appearance is rooted in the song’s long history of symbolizing the fight against authoritarianism. As Orbán’s policies continue to deviate from EU norms, particularly on the rule of law and human rights, the anthem has found renewed relevance in the fight for democratic values in Hungary.
While “Bella Ciao” is best known as a partisan anthem, its origins are shrouded in debate. The earliest known recording of a similar melody dates back to 1919 by the klezmer musician Mishka Ziganoff. However, this version did not include the famous lyrics. Some scholars argue that “Bella Ciao” may have originated in the rice fields of Italy’s Po Valley, where female labourers, known as “mondine,” sang protest songs about harsh working conditions. The “mondina” version of “Bella Ciao” is not about partisan resistance but rather a lament about the hardships faced by women labourers.
This conflicting history does not diminish the song’s emotional power. Over the decades, “Bella Ciao” evolved into a broader symbol of resistance, even though there is little evidence to suggest that it was widely sung by Italian partisans during World War II. Nevertheless, it has come to represent the collective memory of those who fought for freedom against fascism. In the Cold War era, “Bella Ciao” became the more acceptable, less ideologically charged anthem, solidifying its place in Italy’s — and later the world’s — musical and political history.
The revival of “Bella Ciao” in Hungary’s political landscape mirrors its rise as a global protest anthem in recent decades. From Occupy Wall Street to Fridays for Future, activists worldwide have adopted the song to symbolise their fight for social justice. The universality of its message — a struggle for freedom against oppressive powers — has made it a fitting anthem for protestors across cultural and political divides.
Orbán’s critics draw parallels between his governance and the authoritarian regimes that “Bella Ciao” was originally sung against. His stance on issues such as immigration, minority rights, and his criticism of EU institutions have earned him the reputation of being the EU’s most prominent illiberal leader. His perceived closeness to figures like Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and his public admiration of former US President Donald Trump have only deepened this image. The song “Bella Ciao” has become a potent tool in the fight against authoritarianism, with its recent use as a protest against Orbán’s leadership serving as a testament to its enduring power and relevance.
