Italian government's decision to reopen bookstores criticized as populist and dangerous

Massimiliano Tonelli, writing for Artribune, strongly criticizes the Italian government's decision to allow bookstores to reopen from April 14, while the nationwide lockdown is extended until at least May 4. The author argues that the measure is contradictory to health guidelines, as it encourages unnecessary travel and risks spreading COVID-19. He contends that readers have already adapted by borrowing books, buying online, or using delivery services from independent bookstores like Todo Modo in Florence and Libreria del Golem in Turin. Tonelli warns that reopening will either lead to increased contagion or financial ruin for booksellers, who will lose state support (cassa integrazione) but face low customer turnout. He calls the decision a populist gesture by the government to appear supportive of culture without providing structural aid. The article notes that Artribune itself benefits from bookstore distribution but still opposes the move. An appeal signed by hundreds of booksellers followed the article's publication.