The consistency and rigor we demand from those who govern, from the institutions, and from those who make decisions in Sardinia, we demand first and foremost from ourselves. Within Surra, there are roles, balances, and trust. If this trust is betrayed, there are no extenuating circumstances and no discounts will be granted.
A few days ago, Michael Ardu posted a video announcing his departure from Surra, the independence movement that has been at the forefront of numerous battles in recent months (against the Cala Finanza real estate project, against energy speculation, and against livestock vaccinations to combat dermatitis). This dismissal was accompanied by a harsh statement targeting one of the protesters. "The decision is effective immediately," it read.
Elena Pinna, who with Ardu best represented Surra and his actions, is now adding some details to the story. She speaks of a betrayed trust, Pinna, and of a penalty that wasn't given.
Here is the speech of the leader of the movement.
I founded Surra together with the other founding members, whom I consider my brothers, with a specific goal: to become what we wished had already existed, without waiting for others to do so, and to inspire and encourage those who would have embraced the struggle but never knew where to begin. Self-determination that begins with individuals and from the bottom up, uniting those fighting to one day see a free Sardinia, staying away from party logic and personalism, with the goal of not repeating the mistakes of the past. Surra is a collective project at the service of Sardinia, not just anyone, and it involves people from every corner of the island and beyond, with principles, a direction, and clear responsibilities that we feel every day.
The departure of anyone, whoever they may be, is simply proof that it is strong enough and upright enough to even allow itself to do without one of its most iconic figures, making it known without fear and moving forward. The consistency and rigor we demand from those who govern, from institutions, and from those who make decisions about Sardinia, we demand first and foremost from ourselves. Within Surra, there are roles, balances, and trust. If this trust is betrayed, there are no extenuating circumstances and no discounts are granted.
Those who decide to join the movement and take on an operational role know they represent something far beyond themselves. Our lives are at stake, as is the trust of a people we cannot allow ourselves to betray for anything in the world.
We're not a movement built to maintain positions, friendships, or roles at any cost. Our priority is and will always be the protection of the island, no matter the cost. Surra is much more than just the two recognizable faces you've grown accustomed to seeing.
There are people who sacrifice their time, their peace of mind, and their energy for the cause, and who do so unreservedly, freely, and without masters. We don't command, and we don't allow ourselves to be commanded. And to those who accuse us of being a social phenomenon seeking approval, let's be clear: some have chosen to use social media to spread the word, others to talk about others and express their frustration.
No hard feelings, take to the field and fight for your land, however you see fit. We're all useful, none of us indispensable. For us, staying loyal will always come before staying united while having to watch each other's backs.
