Europe Asia News

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a message on the anniversary of the Marcinelle disaster on August 8. Meloni stated that 136 of the 262 people who lost their lives in the Marcinelle mining disaster in Belgium in 1956 were Italians who had migrated to Belgium in search of a better future.

Meloni said that the Marcinelle disaster is part of Italy's collective memory and symbolizes the contributions made by Italian migrants to the prosperity of different countries. Noting that August 8 is observed as the National Day of the History of Italian Emigration, Meloni emphasized that the date is also significant for commemorating those who lost their lives in workplace accidents and protecting the dignity of workers.

Meloni stated that human dignity, rights and safety must be protected in working life, adding that there should be no place in Europe for the exploitation of workers or violations of their rights.