When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

You've reached your limit of one free article.

Get unlimited access to Worldcrunch

You can cancel anytime .

SUBSCRIBERS BENEFITS

Exclusive International news coverage

Ad-free experience NEW

Weekly digital Magazine NEW

9 daily & weekly Newsletters

Access to Worldcrunch archives

Free trial

30-days free access, then $2.90
per month.

Annual Access BEST VALUE

$19.90 per year, save $14.90 compared to monthly billing.save $14.90.

Subscribe to Worldcrunch
LA STAMPA

A Simple Political Lesson From One Small Town In Italy

Franco Metta, mayor of Cerignola
Franco Metta, mayor of Cerignola
Massimo Gramellini

CERIGNOLA — Franco Metta is the mayor of the small town of Cerignola, located in the southern Italian region of Apulia. He recently received a box of biscuits as a Christmas gift from a local businessman, but upon opening the box he discovered 20,000 euros ($21,120) expertly rolled into two packs of 10,000 each — not the gift the sweet-toothed mayor was expecting. The mayor immediately filed a complaint with the local police, accusing the businessman of bribing him to gain favor to win a contract for his company.

Metta is the same mayor who briefly rose to prominence six months ago for controversial remarks he made at a public ceremony. In a poorly-filmed video, the mayor — well-dressed and wearing an Italian tricolor sash — berates a child for flunking and repeating his year in school, shouting at him to "study, stupid!"

In Cerignola — Photo: Janssem Cardoso

Metta's brusque tone and methods drew the ire of many Italians, who cast him as a villain also in part for his conservative party ties. The child himself was far less upset and hugged the mayor for another minute, surprised to encounter someone who was willing to reprimand him.

Metta was made out as a villain for lecturing the child, and hailed as a hero for refusing the bribe — but what if the two events are connected? In large cities we go on constantly about the importance of so-called "values', perhaps to fight the toxic smog seeping in. But out in the provinces, or at least in Cerignola, "values' are something far more simple and less ethereal: study and don't steal. Come to think about it, it's a perfect policy for the future.

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

LA STAMPA

Israeli Hostages In Gaza: What Their Relatives Think Of A Ceasefire Deal

Another deal that would see Israeli hostages released has fallen through. Six months into the war in Gaza — and six months without their loved ones — where do the family members of the Oct. 7 hostages stand on the war and the negotiations?

Activists block a highway and hold posters.

Activists block a highway on March 20 in Tel Aviv, Israel as they demand the release of Israeli hostages from Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Ilia Yefimovich/dpa via Zuma Press
Agnese Tonghini

On Monday, the UN Security Council demanded an immediate ceasefire for the first time as well as the release of all hostages. Of the 252 hostages taken by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack, 130 remain unaccounted for following a series of releases, rescues and the recovery of bodies. At least 30 hostages are presumed dead.

For the latest news & views from every corner of the world, Worldcrunch Today is the only truly international newsletter. Sign up here.

Then on Tuesday night, relatives of an Israeli held captive in Gaza were reportedly among those arrested by police at a protest in Tel Aviv, after the latest talks on a truce and the release of hostages broke down. Israel said that Hamas’s rejection of a current proposal for a Gaza truce deal is proof of the “damage” done by the UN Security Council resolution.

On Wednesday, relatives of an Israeli held captive in Gaza were reportedly among protesters arrested by police in Tel Aviv, after the latest talks on a ceasefire and exchange of prisoners and hostages broke down. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid commented on X that the state "should show much more compassion and sensitivity to the families of the hostages".

Over the six months of war in Gaza — and six months without their loved ones — family members of the Israeli hostages have spoken to the media, notably in the U.S. and in Italy, hoping to make their voices heard. Here are some of those voices.

Keep reading...Show less

The latest