CGIL union faces controversy over edited photo of Lula and Landini

The Italian trade union CGIL has sparked controversy after publishing an edited photograph on its website to congratulate Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his reelection. The image, which shows CGIL General Secretary Maurizio Landini alongside Lula, appears to have been digitally altered to remove Susanna Camusso, Landini’s predecessor.

The original photograph was taken in February 2020 during Lula’s visit to Italy following his release from prison. At that time, Camusso was still serving as the head of the union. While the CGIL has attributed the omission to a technical error, Camusso, currently a senator for the Democratic Party, has criticized the move, suggesting the removal was a deliberate act.

Maurizio Landini issued a statement praising Lula’s victory as extraordinary news for the Brazilian people and workers worldwide, specifically citing the fight for democracy, social justice, peace, and equality.