Italian Right-Wing Cultural Program: Rhetoric and Banality

Massimiliano Tonelli of Artribune criticizes the cultural program of Italy's right-wing coalition (Meloni-Salvini-Berlusconi) ahead of the September 25 elections. The program, titled 'Per l'Italia,' is described as vague, rhetorical, and outdated, with proposals like 'Valorizzare la Bellezza dell’Italia nella sua immagine riconosciuta del mondo' and 'Tutela e promozione del Made in Italy.' Tonelli argues that such language, centered on 'beauty' and 'excellence,' is toxic and disconnected from contemporary reality. The program also includes support for beach concessions, which the right defended against EU liberalization. Tonelli hopes for a competent culture minister, possibly young and prepared, to overcome the program's shortcomings. The article notes that similar vagueness may appear in other parties' programs, which will be analyzed later.