il manifesto is an Italian newspaper. While it calls itself communist, it is not connected to any political party. It was founded as a monthly review in 1969 by a collective of left-wing journalists engaged in the wave of critical thought and activity on the Italian left in that period. Prominent figures among its founders included Luigi Pintor and Rossana Rossanda. In 1971 it became a daily (28/04/1971). Although critical of the Italian Communist Party (PCI), it was popular with many party supporters who saw it as more lively and independent than the party newspaper L'Unità .
The 1991 PCI dissolution that gave birth to the social democratic Democratic Party of the Left was not followed by Il manifesto, a paper which maintains positions closer to those of robustly left wing parties, such as Communist Refoundation Party, while remaining independent.
Il manifesto has recently gained reputation in Italy for its bitter and sarcastic headlines, often brilliant puns, enhanced by a clever choice of photographs. For example, the day of the election of Pope Benedict XVI, the first page of Il manifesto featured a large photo of the newly elected pope, along with the title The German shepherd. Despite critics from political opponents on its contents, Il manifesto is regarded almost unanimously as a notable example of creative and clever journalism. It also hosts the satirical drawings of Vauro, one of the most famous Italian satirical authors.
One of its reporters, Giuliana Sgrena, was kidnapped by Iraqi insurgents in February 2005 and released on March 4.