The protest at the Book Fair, the wrath of the right: «Anti-democratic». But Schlein: «Dissent denied»- Corriere.it

“What happened to Turin Book Fair it is unacceptable and out of any democratic logic. Equally unacceptable is the operation of the usual suspects to reverse the facts, distorting reality and justifying the attempt to prevent a minister of the Republic from expressing his opinions. As usual, who claims to teach us lessons in democracy he doesn’t know the basic rules.” The President of the Council, Giorgia MeloniAnd trenchant. In a few lines it condemns yesterday’s protest against the minister Eugenia Roccella but also the defense of the protesters by Democratic Party and 5 Star Movementlined up on the side of the director of the Salone, Nicola Lagioia, who had defined the protest as “legitimate”.

Guest of On air
on La7, the leader of Pd Elly Schlein he had said: «In a democracy you have to take into account that there is dissent. It’s in things, it’s not just about those in power. We are for tough confrontation, lit, but the problem this government has with any form of dissent is surreal. It is surreal that ministers and deputies have started to attack Nicholas Lagioia. I don’t know what the form of a government that attacks the opposition and intellectuals is called but at least it seems authoritative to me».

However, it must be said that in defense of Minister Roccella yesterday not only the center-right made itself heard. Here is the LIv’s leader, Matteo Renzi: «Preventing Minister Roccella from speaking means denying the values ​​of culture, dialogue and respect. Pasolini, who was a giant, did not speak by chance of “fascism of the anti-fascists”». And again: «I think differently from Minister Roccella on many things, but I will always defend his right to express one’s ideas», he wrote on social media Mara Carfagna, Action president.

However, the whole government has squared off: «Do not allow an author, whoever he may be, to be able to freely present his book and express his thoughts because blocked by a group of violent people is an undemocratic act and illiberal», the words of the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano.

Defense Minister, Guido Crosettotweeted: “She has been prevented from expressing her ideas by people who think they are defending freedom by depriving others of theirs. Dangerous, anti-democratic and abusive people, disguised as activists”. And “maximum solidarity” with Roccella also from the ministers Tajani, Urso, Lollobrigida, Pichetto, Bernini. The President of the Senate, Ignatius LaRussa, spoke of “yet another undemocratic act”. For Licia Ronzulli, group leader in the Senate of Forza Italia, “it was an episode of squadrism”. Harsh words also from the League: «Culture should open minds. But the government is not intimidated».

And the majority, in fact, is really short on time on surrogacy as a universal crime. The bill should arrive in the Chamber in June, while as early as next Wednesday the 20 opposition amendments proposed in the Commission will be voted on, aimed at implementing the proposal of the center-left mayors who ask to be able to proceed with the registration of the children of couples homoparental. The only proposal to change the majority comes from Forza Italia and increases the penalties envisaged for recourse to surrogacy abroad, providing for prison from one to three years.

The Political Diary newsletter

If you want to stay updated on political news, subscribe to the newsletter “Political Diary”. It is dedicated to Corriere della Sera subscribers and arrives twice a week at 12. Just click here.