Anti-fascism is—and has always been—a struggle led by people. Not by the powerful—but by workers, students, and communities who choose to resist.

80 years ago today, Italy saw the fall of Nazi-Fascism.
This victory was not granted from above—it was won from below.

The Partigiani, Italy’s anti-fascist resistance, began in the labour movement. In March 1943, over 100,000 factory workers in Turin went on strike—defying Fascist repression. It marked the beginning of the end. A turning point. Mussolini’s dictatorship fell shortly after.

They Fought. Together. And Won.

After Nazi Germany invaded on September 8, 1943, the Partigiani rose into open, armed resistance.

By April 25 1945, it had become a broad, united movement: workers, students, and communities standing together against fascism. And they won.

Left MEP Ilaria Salis (Sinistra Italiana) said: “This April 25th, antifascism must remain a living fire, burning in the present. Just as historical fascism took on precise political and cultural forms, today is re-emerging in new guises: a mimetic fascism, adapted to our time and fuelled by the crisis of global capitalism. It is up to us to envision a new antifascism, one that rises to today’s challenges — resisting both old and new forms of the right, and fighting against all forms of oppression and injustice. The struggle of the partisans for freedom and justice continues to light our path. A path we must walk, together.”

April 25 also marks the 51st anniversary of Portugal’s Carnation Revolution.

In 1974, young military captains staged a revolt.
What began as a coup became a mass uprising—thousands filled the streets to demand freedom.

24 Hours That Freed a Nation

The peaceful revolt became known as the Carnation Revolution, after protesters placed flowers in soldiers’ rifles and tanks.

In under 24 hours, Europe’s longest dictatorship collapsed.
Thirteen years of colonial war in Africa ended.

A rare coup—not to seize power, but to restore democracy. April 25 is a reminder of what people can do—when they organise. In an era of rising global fascism, the message is urgent:

We must be—and act—anti-fascist. Always.