Italian Culture Minister Bonisoli Blocks Teatro Massimo Superintendent's Reappointment Over Nepotism Concerns

Alberto Bonisoli, Italy's Culture Minister, sought to prevent Francesco Giambrone from being reappointed as superintendent of Palermo's Teatro Massimo, alleging nepotism due to Giambrone's brother Fabio serving as deputy mayor. However, the board reaffirmed Giambrone's position on August 14, 2019, with Bonisoli giving his approval two days later on August 16. This decision sparked backlash from cultural figures such as Enrico Del Mercato and Maurizio Carta. Since Giambrone took charge in 2014, the theater has seen an occupancy rate of 84.4% in 2018, marking a 37.6% increase since 2013, alongside a 44% rise in audience numbers and a 43% boost in subscriptions. The theater operates 278 days each year and has experienced a 9% growth in viewers under 35 since 2016. Notably, it is the largest opera house in Italy and was closed from 1974 until 1997.