Stefano Monti Criticizes Misuse of 'Culture' for Financial and Political Gain

In an editorial for Artribune, Stefano Monti argues that the term 'culture' is increasingly exploited to justify investments and political decisions that lack genuine social impact. He notes that while culture can be a powerful driver of individual, economic, and social benefits, not everything labeled as 'cultural' is truly meritorious. Monti criticizes Cassa Depositi e Prestiti's (CDP) investment of 92 million euros in a tourism fund, which he says is actually an infrastructure and real estate fund, not a cultural initiative. He also questions ethical boundaries, citing the case of Franceschini and the controversial appointment of museum directors, where a law was changed retroactively to validate a previously rejected nomination. Other examples include protests against the Porta Garibaldi redevelopment in Milan (now Piazza Gae Aulenti) and a superintendent blocking an exhibition in Naples due to building permit issues at a site formerly used as a parking lot. Monti calls for a suspension of judgment and a critical examination of what is accepted in the name of culture.