While the G7 countries meet behind closed doors, the people of Apulia protest against war, gas and social injustice. And a poor man’s meal made of dry bread becomes a symbol of criticism.
The final preparations are underway in Antonella Assennato’s bakery. The “frise” are lying in large baskets: crispy slices of bread that have been baked twice. They are typical of the southern Italian region of Apulia.
“It was a meal for the poor,” explains baker Antonella Assennato. “Because when there wasn’t much money, people ate a frisa with a tomato. That was lunch or dinner.”
Slices of bread lie in a basket: Antonella Assennato makes this “hairstyle” in protest against G7.
Simple pastries as a contrast to G7 luxury
Antonella and her husband Carlo donate the pastries for the dinner of the poor, a counter-event to the luxurious meal of the G7 participants in the Swabian castle of Brindisi.
“They don’t see the basic needs that exist in our country, and there are many,” criticizes Antonella. There is a lot of poverty and unemployment. “We are all in great difficulty, also because the state imposes all kinds of taxes on us, especially the artisans.”
The heads of state and government of the G7 countries stand together after the summit.
Counter-protest from a broad alliance
Many have closed their businesses, and Antonella is thinking about that too. She wants to make a statement with the protest against G7 on the large central Vittoria Square, right near the cordoned-off red zone.
Various alliances have joined forces against the G7 summit, fighting for peace, for social justice, for the environment. Roberto Aprile from the Cobas union is one of those primarily responsible. “No to war, no to G7,” is written on a large poster in his office.
Fear of war when looking to the East
For the 69-year-old electrician, there is no alternative. Especially because Apulia is becoming more and more militarized. In the coming months, the new warship “Trieste” will arrive in Brindisi.
“In Apulia, people look to the east and see all sorts of scenarios that will develop with regard to Russia, Ukraine and China,” says Roberto. There is dissatisfaction, especially with regard to NATO, which is controlled by the Americans. “The scenarios are terrible. The Americans do not want to lose the war in Ukraine and that can only mean an escalation that could lead us into World War III,” he fears.
Activist Roberto Aprile in his office: He is organizing protests against the G7 summit.
Hope for the Pope
A large nationwide demonstration is planned for Saturday afternoon in the town of Fasano, which is close to the meeting venue Borgo Egnazia. For the first time, a pope will be attending an international meeting such as the G7 summit.
Roberto has high hopes for Francis, who is trying to influence the G7 positively towards peace. “We not only demonstrated at the military base in Amendola, but also together with the Catholic groups,” says Roberto. “Although we also have different positions.”
Protest against the G7 summit with baked slices of bread and tomatoes: In the background, trade unionist Roberto Aprile stands on a stage.
Climate change noticeable in southern Italy – but not an issue
The counter-summit also wants to focus more on climate change. Activists from all over Europe took part in an international online conference. It is not good that the climate does not play a major role in the three-day meeting, especially because southern Italy is affected by it.
In Apulia, for example, the trans-Adriatic pipeline arrives, pumping gas from Azerbaijan to Europe. That is not an alternative, says Angelo Gagliani. The IT teacher was born in Brindisi and lived for many years in Reutlingen in Swabia.
Politics should listen to the people
“We are against gas,” he makes clear. “We have to get away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible.” He criticizes the fact that when people talk about energy, they talk about new pipelines and new projects. “But we are here to get away from gas.” Politicians, he says, should listen more to the people, not just to lobbyists, industry or the financial world.