Gennaro Sangiuliano specifies: ‘I have read the books nominated for the Strega Prize’

“I’m sorry that my words have been misinterpreted, I have obviously read the Strega Prize books but not with the calm they deserved, having, as you can understand, very busy schedules”. The Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano to Republic specifies what happened yesterday, during the Strega award ceremony, in response to a question from Geppi Cucciari. “I meant that I will go back to delve into those books,” explains the minister, who is also a juror. “I believe that anyone who loves culture has happened to pick up a book to re-read some passages that struck you”.

But the episode is controversial. AND Matthew Renzileader of Italia viva and former premier, goes on the attack: “I understood why Sangiuliano chose to cancel the 18App: he doesn’t read books. He writes them, he judges them but he doesn’t read them. Minister, make it up to you: give back to 18-year-olds the Card for cultural consumption. Reading is needed!”, Renzi presses.