Mayors of Florence, Bologna, and Naples Keep Culture Portfolio for Themselves

In the aftermath of recent Italian municipal elections, the mayors of Florence, Bologna, and Naples have all chosen to personally hold the culture portfolio rather than appointing a dedicated assessor. This unusual move has sparked debate about whether it signals a devaluation of culture or, conversely, an elevation of its strategic importance. Florence's mayor Dario Nardella did not replace outgoing assessor Tommaso Sacchi, who moved to Milan. Bologna's mayor Matteo Lepore, who had previously served as culture assessor, decided to retain the role himself. Naples' newly elected mayor Gaetano Manfredi also kept the culture delegation, stating that culture is the city's most strategic asset and that he will surround himself with a competent team to develop a strategic cultural plan. The article, written by Massimiliano Tonelli for Artribune, questions whether this trend weakens cultural governance or creates super-assessorships at the highest level.