Milan politicians oppose relocating Leoncavallo social center

Political opposition in Milan is criticizing a proposal to relocate the Leoncavallo social center to the former municipal market in Piazza Selinunte. The possibility of this move was raised by Marina Boer, president of the Mamme antifasciste, following the perceived improbability of the center returning to its previous location in via Watteau.

Members of the center-right have labeled the proposal “folly,” arguing that the Selinunte district is already an area with security concerns and existing social centers like Micene and Cantiere. Riccardo De Corato of Fratelli d’Italia expressed concern that the move would create a new “center of illegality” in the heart of the city. He also noted that the group owes approximately 3 million euros to the Ministry of the Interior and 800,000 euros in unpaid taxes to the Municipality of Milan.

Additionally, Forza Italia councilor Alessandro De Chirico argued that the proposed space is too small to accommodate the large-scale cultural events and concerts the center historically hosted, and warned that concentrating multiple activist groups in one area could exacerbate local tensions.