Italian Cultural Policy After 2018 Election: A Post-Truth Era
The March 2018 Italian election resulted in a clear defeat for the ruling parties, including the Democratic Party (PD) and Forza Italia, while Angelino Alfano's party was eliminated. Incumbent Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, despite a record of increased museum attendance (some sites saw nearly 200% growth), lost his seat in Ferrara by ten points to a center-right candidate. The article argues that in a post-truth political climate, serious administration must prioritize strategic communication to justify reforms and counter populist narratives. The author, Massimiliano Tonelli, suggests the next minister faces a choice: either avoid controversy or pursue necessary reforms while effectively communicating their value.
Key facts
- March 2018 Italian election saw defeat of PD, Forza Italia, and Angelino Alfano's party.
- Dario Franceschini lost his parliamentary seat in Ferrara by ten points.
- Franceschini oversaw nearly 200% increase in visitors at some state museums.
- The article was published in Artribune Magazine #42.
- Author Massimiliano Tonelli is former director of Exibart and Gambero Rosso.
- The piece discusses the challenge of governing culture in a post-truth era.
- Tonelli advocates for serious communication as part of government strategy.
- The article appears on Artribune, an Italian art news platform.
Entities
Institutions
- Partito Democratico (PD)
- Forza Italia
- Artribune
- Exibart
- Gambero Rosso
- Università di Siena
Locations
- Italy
- Ferrara