The month of April is traditionally that of the hearings of the Culture Commission in the Italian Senate. The parliamentarians have this year looked at both the reform of the Code of Cultural Property and the Landscape, aimed at modifying the role of the Surintendances, and on the establishment of a “National Day of Historical Habit”. But it is the distribution of financial resources allocated to institutions, institutes, associations and cultural foundations in 2025 which aroused a certain excitement. The Meloni government has registered significant budget cuts in its finance law for 2025. It reduces resources made available to the Ministry of Culture by 1.8 million euros to support the different foundations and cultural institutions. Some of the most prestigious are affected.
The public endowment of the Festival des Deux Mondes de spolate will be reduced by 100,000 euros, that of the Milan Triennale by 150,000 euros, and the Quadrian of Rome will lose 50,000 euros. The Venice Biennale Foundation, which in 2024 received nearly 16 million euros from the ministry, the highest amount paid to the various beneficiaries, will have to face a shortfall of around 800,000 euros. Also concerned are also concerned, although to a lesser extent, the FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano), various musical events, study and research centers.
Certain entities are however not affected by the restrictions: the Festival of identity cities will receive 500,000 euros. Organized each year by the foundation of identity cities, close to the political party of Giorgia Meloni, it aims “To make known the cultural and artistic roots of the towns and cities of Italy by involving local cultural associations”.
Unsurprisingly, the right voted in a united way these provisions within the Culture Commission of the Senate. The center-left democratic party has abstained, while the 5-star movement voted against. The opposition is criticizing in unison “A government that has penalized realities that have been helping our heritage and promoting it in the world for years. On the other hand, he promotes his friends, which has nothing to do with the public interest. »» It recalls the promise made by Giorgia Meloni by arriving in power: “The time of cronyism and favoritism in favor of the left in the world of culture is finished. »»
