Vittorio Sgarbiformer undersecretary of the Meloni government, reported – through his press office – that the Salon would have «erased his presence» as «candidate for Brothers of Italy in the Southern Italy constituency” at the European Championships.
Sgarbi: «A sad moment»
«It is with great sadness that I learn of the cancellation of the presentation of my book on Michelangelo”, we read in the note, which however already specifies that his publishing house, La nave di Teseo, reassures him that “it is not a matter of personal censorship (for which shouting against the regime like Scurati) but of an unwritten rule which provides that those who are candidates for elections (I imagine of any type) under a level playing field cannot present a book. It seems strange, and it is. The coercive measure with its restrictive interpretation also extends to non-public occasions
television, for which the level playing field was created is a disturbing sign. It’s a sad moment for Italy because it establishes harmful incompatibilities and, through prohibitions and limitations, instead of guaranteeing equal rights, imposes false duties”.
Sangiuliano’s words
The Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano – who has had explicit clashes with Sgarbi in recent months – immediately commented, hoping that «Sgarbi can always present his books everywhere”.
Benini: «No to presentations, but the Show is open to everyone»
The director of the Salon tried to end the controversy, Annalena Benini: «We follow the rules of the electoral campaign, of course. So candidate politicians, it also seems to me to be a question of elegance, cannot present books, but the Salon is open to all and we will welcome everyone with joy.” Even the deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini – explains the Salon – he will not present his own volume, but will limit himself to a copy signing.
