Tonelli rebuts Raimo's critique of Rome's cultural decline, defends legality

Massimiliano Tonelli, editor of Artribune, publishes a scathing rebuttal to Christian Raimo's article in Internazionale, which blamed Rome's cultural decline on excessive legality and lack of support for occupied spaces. Tonelli argues that Raimo's piece is demagogic and strategically timed before elections. He defends recent efforts by the city commissioner to enforce laws and reclaim municipal property through legal tenders, citing former mayor Ignazio Marino's regulations. Tonelli contends that illegal occupations are not the foundation of culture, pointing to successful legal venues like Teatro Eliseo, which sustains itself with a restaurant. He criticizes Raimo for conflating legal enforcement with cultural stagnation, noting that international investors require legal certainty. Tonelli also highlights Rome's vibrant restaurant scene and the economic role of Airbnb, countering Raimo's negative portrayal. The article ends with a call for a radical change in perspective, accusing Raimo of perpetuating the very mindset that hinders Rome's progress.