Italian Government Program Omits Culture Entirely
The coalition government program between the Five Star Movement (M5S), Democratic Party (PD), and Free and Equal (LEU), dated September 3, 2019, contains 26 points but makes no mention of culture. The only reference appears in point 24, which mentions 'cultural identities and local traditions' in the context of tourism promotion. This omission is particularly striking given Italy's constitutional mandate (Article 9) to promote culture and protect heritage. The cultural and creative sector generates nearly €96 billion and activates €265.4 billion in other sectors, accounting for 16.9% of GDP, with employment of 1.55 million people (6.1% of total employment). Globally, culture is increasingly recognized as the fourth pillar of sustainable development, yet Italy continues to marginalize it. Massimiliano Zane, author of the article, argues that neglecting culture undermines social cohesion, innovation, and quality of life.
Key facts
- The coalition government program (M5S, PD, LEU) dated September 3, 2019, has 26 points but omits culture entirely.
- Only point 24 mentions 'cultural identities and local traditions' within tourism promotion.
- Italy's Constitution Article 9 mandates the promotion of culture and protection of heritage.
- The cultural and creative sector generates nearly €96 billion and activates €265.4 billion in other sectors.
- The sector accounts for 16.9% of Italy's GDP, with a 2.9% increase from 2017 to 2018.
- Employment in the cultural sector is 1.55 million people, 6.1% of total employment, growing 1.5%.
- Culture is recognized globally as the fourth pillar of sustainable development.
- The article was written by Massimiliano Zane, a cultural planner from Venice.
Entities
Artists
- Massimiliano Zane
Institutions
- Artribune
- M5S
- PD
- LEU
- Italian Constitution
Locations
- Italy
- Venice