New Delhi: The naming of Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s first female Prime Minister, as the “man of the year” by a right-wing newspaper has sparked controversy and criticism from women’s rights activists in the country. The article, titled ‘Man of the Year’ and published in Libero newspaper, was written by Mario Sechi, the paper’s Rome bureau chief, who had previously worked on Meloni’s public relations team.
Sechi’s article praised Meloni’s achievements, stating that she had “won the war of the sexes” in Italy and had shattered not only the glass ceiling but dissolved it entirely. The piece emphasized Meloni’s ability to overcome gender stereotypes, reject the arrogance of men, and combat the defeatism of women. It portrayed her as a symbol of strength and divergent thinking in a society plagued by weak ideas.
However, the article faced backlash from Italy’s opposition parties, accusing Meloni of neglecting the protection of women from violence. Elly Schlein, the secretary of the centre-left Democratic Party, expressed her disapproval, denouncing the newspaper’s message that politics and power are exclusively for men. Schein stated that being named “man of the year” should not be an aspiration for a politician, viewing it as surrendering to gender norms.
MP Elisabetta Piccolotti criticized the article as an affirmation of male superiority and called on Prime Minister Meloni to reject the title bestowed upon her. Piccolotti even questioned Meloni’s gender identity, urging her to clarify whether she identifies as a woman, a man, or non-binary in response to the newspaper’s portrayal of her as the “man of the year.”
Contrarily, Gennaro Sangiuliano, the culture minister in Meloni’s government and a former deputy director of Libero, defended the title awarded to Meloni, deeming it well-deserved. Sangiuliano praised her accomplishments and dismissed the critics’ concerns.
As of now, Meloni has not commented on the article published by Libero, leaving her stance on the matter uncertain.
The controversy surrounding the “man of the year” designation brings attention to ongoing debates regarding gender equality and representation in Italian politics. It highlights the differing perspectives on Meloni’s role as a prominent female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, with some arguing that her recognition further empowers women, while others criticize it as perpetuating gender stereotypes and discrimination.
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