Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is determined to “look ahead” as she grapples with the fallout surrounding the Ministry of Culture. In an effort to bolster support and quell dissent, she hosted a two-hour lunch with Alessandro Giuli, the newly appointed minister and journalist. With tensions running high, another misstep in the culture sector could severely destabilize the ruling center-right coalition. However, the storm is far from over, as viewers tuned into the highly anticipated and controversial episode of Report, which delved into the unfolding drama within the ministry.
The Report episode revealed startling details about the former Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, who resigned earlier this month. Among the revelations was an exclusive image showcasing a deep wound on Sangiuliano’s head, inflicted during a furious altercation with Maria Rosaria Boccia, his consultant and former lover. The incident, which took place on July 16 at the National Hotel in Sanremo, stemmed from Sangiuliano’s attempts to end their secret relationship and salvage his marriage. The violence culminated in Sangiuliano filing a complaint against Boccia for assault, highlighting the internal turmoil within a ministry responsible for shaping Italy’s cultural landscape.
The Report segment primarily focused on Minister Giuli, shining a light on his past connections to the far-right movement, Meridiano Zero, as well as controversies surrounding his cabinet chief, Spano. Spano was appointed and swiftly dismissed amid backlash linked to a previous investigation and connections to LGBTQ organizations. Additionally, the segment raised the specter of a “new Boccia case,” as art critic Alberto Dambruoso claimed he was pulled from a Futurism exhibition after facing disrespectful remarks within the ministry, underscoring a pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and contention.
Amidst the turmoil, Meloni aims to defuse the cultural scandal and maintain control. Her office released a statement indicating that the lunch with Giuli was a “convivial” meeting focused on the ministry’s upcoming initiatives. This strategic gathering signals a commitment to moving forward together, as both officials prepare to address various cultural projects, from exhibitions to the upcoming Jubilee. However, the appointment of key positions within the ministry remains contentious, particularly after Giuli’s controversial decision to hire Spano, a move that has angered the pro-life faction within the center-right coalition.
As Giuli asserts his independence in the role, he emphasizes the need for a progressive right that recognizes the importance of the Constitution while distancing itself from any reactionary sentiments. In a recent appearance on La lingua batte on Rai Radio 3, he asserted, “Even a minister must have recognizable margins of independence.” Giuli reassured Meloni of his commitment to her leadership, quelling rumors of tension between him and her inner circle. This underlines a shared vision for the ministry, as they navigate the precarious landscape of Italian culture and politics in the coming months.
