Rossana Rossanda Italian politician, journalist Date of Birth: 23.04.1924 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Political Beginnings
2. Rise Within the PCI
3. Dissent and "Il Manifesto"
4. Formation of Il Manifesto Group
5. Rejection of Party Politics
6. Later Years and Legacy

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Rossanda was born in Pula, Italy. She studied philosophy in Milan under Antonio Banfi. As a young woman, she joined the Resistance Movement during World War II and later became a member of the Italian Communist Party (PCI).

Rise Within the PCI

Within the PCI, Rossanda gained prominence as a leading figure responsible for cultural affairs. In 1963, she was elected to the Chamber of Deputies.

Dissent and "Il Manifesto"

Rossanda became increasingly critical of the PCI's alignment with the Soviet Union. In 1968, she condemned the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia and published "L'anno degli studenti" ("The Year of the Students"), expressing solidarity with the youth movement.

Along with Luigi Pintor, Valentino Parlato, and Lucio Magri, Rossanda co-founded the newspaper "Il Manifesto." This act led to her expulsion from the PCI.

Formation of Il Manifesto Group

In the 1972 elections, the Il Manifesto group received 0.8% of the vote. It subsequently merged with the Party of Proletarian Unity (PdUP) to form the Party of Proletarian Unity for Communism (PdUP per il Comunismo).

Rejection of Party Politics

Rossanda gradually distanced herself from electoral politics but remained influential as editor of "Il Manifesto." She advocated for unity among the "New Left," the PdUP, and the PCI, culminating in the merger of the latter two parties in 1984.

Later Years and Legacy

Rossanda continued to promote progressive causes and write extensively until her death in 2020 at the age of 96. Her contributions to feminism, anti-imperialism, and the Italian political landscape remain significant.