Raggi Files Legal Challenge Against Franceschini's Colosseum Reform

In 2015, Ignazio Marino and Dario Franceschini signed an agreement to manage Rome's Central Archaeological Area. After Marino's fall, Franceschini continued reforming major Italian museums and archaeological parks, granting them autonomy and international director selections. In January 2017, he included the Colosseum and Pompeii. Rome was reorganized: Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum, Palatine, Domus Aurea, and Meta Sudans became an Archaeological Park with an internationally selected director and full autonomy. The Superintendence would receive 30% of park revenues, the park 50%, and 20% to the national solidarity fund. On April 21, 2017, Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi and Councillor Luca Bergamo announced an appeal to the TAR against the decree, claiming it creates first- and second-class archaeological areas and removes the Colosseum from the city. Franceschini dismissed the claims as fake news, stating the revenue distribution remains unchanged: 80% stays in Rome (50% to the central archaeological area, 30% to the Superintendence) and 20% to the national fund. The reform has succeeded elsewhere in Italy, such as Pompeii, Brera, and the Royal Palace of Caserta. Raggi's administration has been criticized for immobilism, failing to appoint a director for the Macro museum, and lacking cultural policies. The appeal risks stalling a reform that has proven effective nationwide.