Turin mayor resists government pressure to evict social center

The Mayor of Turin is resisting government pressure to evict the Askatasuna social center following recent violence. The Italian government, including ministers and Forza Italia officials, has called for the center's closure, citing escalating violence and an attack on a newspaper office. However, the city council maintains a collaboration agreement for renovations, arguing no link exists between the agreement and subversive acts. The social center has occupied the municipal building since 1996, and despite claims of an agreement for renovation and vacating the premises, evidence suggests continued occupation. A regional administrative court hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2026.