Italy's Culture Minister Franceschini Pushes for Early Reopening of Cinemas and Theaters

Italy's reconfirmed Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini, in a February 22 interview with Corriere della Sera, advocated for the swift reopening of cinemas and theaters, aiming for Italy to be the first European country to do so. He emphasized that Italian cities without cultural venues are 'sadder' and that the country 'needs culture like oxygen.' Franceschini noted that cinemas and theaters are currently closed in France, Germany, the UK, Belgium, and Portugal. He has requested an urgent meeting with the Technical-Scientific Committee to propose additional safety measures, including nominative tickets, people tracing, and FFP2 masks, arguing that with strict protocols, these venues could be safer than bars, restaurants, and shopping malls that have already reopened. The minister acknowledged the ongoing hardship for workers in the performing arts and entertainment sectors, stating that while extraordinary support measures have been implemented, including unemployment benefits for precarious workers, more aid is needed in the upcoming 'Ristori' decree. Museums have partially reopened from Monday to Friday, but the overall cultural offering remains limited due to the pandemic and virus variants. Franceschini expressed confidence in the new government's ability to overcome the crisis, emphasizing unity across political lines.