Raggi's attack on Fuksas's Nuvola: populism vs architecture

The inauguration of Massimiliano Fuksas's Nuvola (Cloud) convention center in Rome's EUR district on October 28, 2016, was marred by Mayor Virginia Raggi's public criticism of its cost. Raggi, of the Five Star Movement (M5S), stated the €240 million building "cost too much" despite admitting it is "beautiful." The article argues that such attacks are populist and unfounded, noting that similar international projects (e.g., Herzog & de Meuron's Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, ABDR's new Auditorium in Florence, the Tate Modern extension) cost comparable or more. It highlights that the Nuvola's cost spread over 15 years amounts to roughly €10 million annually, while Raggi's administration has allegedly caused losses of €45 million on the former Rome Fairgrounds and stalled projects like the EUR Finance Towers and the new stadium (€2 billion investment). The article also contrasts the Nuvola's cost with the €145 million Ponte dei Congressi bridge, which Raggi praised, despite its longer planning since 2001. The piece criticizes Raggi for not addressing systemic waste in Rome's municipal administration, estimated at €1 billion per year by her deputy mayor, and for failing to reform street vending. The author, Massimiliano Tonelli, argues that architecture in Italy lacks respect and that Raggi's remarks harm Rome's international appeal for business events.