Draghi’s First Speech: Culture as a Pillar of Italy’s Recovery

In his inaugural address to the Italian Senate on February 17, 2021, Prime Minister Mario Draghi outlined a broad program covering unity, Europeanism, foreign policy, health, education, infrastructure, environment, labor, justice, public administration, the recovery fund, migration, gender equality, vaccination plans, and post-pandemic reconstruction. He emphasized that Italy’s cultural heritage is a strategic asset requiring coordinated action. Draghi stated that tourism, which accounted for 14% of economic activity pre-pandemic, must be rebuilt sustainably by preserving art cities, sites, and traditions. He warned that recovery would not be like “turning on a light” but an opportunity to improve. Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, reconfirmed in the new government, praised Draghi’s recognition of Italy as a great cultural power and his call to promote culture alongside education and environmental transition. In his Senate reply, Draghi acknowledged the severe restrictions on arts and entertainment, stressed the risk of losing the nation’s identity and spirit, and insisted that investing in tourism is not wasteful but yields returns. No mention was made of cinemas, theaters, or museums, which had only partially reopened on weekdays.