Giorgio De Finis blocks interview after critical article

Giorgio De Finis, the newly appointed director of MACRO (Museo d'Arte Contemporanea di Roma), has revoked permission to publish an interview granted to Artribune after the magazine published a critical article about his appointment and the museum's presentation. The interview, conducted by an Artribune journalist during a press conference, covered De Finis's project MACRO_asilo, his vision for the museum, and its relationship with Rome's cultural institutions. De Finis reportedly told the journalist that the article was 'not affectionate' toward him and demanded the interview not be published. Artribune editor Massimiliano Tonelli argues that De Finis's action amounts to censorship, violating press freedom and the public's right to information. Tonelli notes that De Finis had previously reacted to critical coverage by mocking Artribune on Facebook. The incident is framed within a broader trend in Rome, where journalists face pressure from the city's administration, led by Mayor Virginia Raggi and the Five Star Movement, including withheld news and smear campaigns. Tonelli calls on De Finis, Culture Councillor Luca Bergamo, and Mayor Raggi to release the interview.