Meloni’s Tweet‑Storm: A Vote‑Slicing Rape Video
Rome — The “Future PM” of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, has once again found herself in a political pickle. On Monday, Aug 22, she posted a video that turns a tragedy into a campaign tool, and the backlash has been swift and strong.
What Happened in Piacenza?
- The victim: a 55‑year‑old Ukrainian woman, assaulted on a sidewalk by an asylum seeker from Guinea.
- Captured: a camera in a nearby flat recorded the whole scene, featuring a blurred image and the victim’s loud cries.
- Law‑enforcement: the attacker was taken into custody and is still being investigated.
Meloni’s “Solidarity” Tweet
She slapped that footage onto Twitter, proclaiming, “One cannot remain silent in the face of this atrocious episode of sexual violence… A hug to this woman. I will do everything I can to restore security.”
Why It’s a Bad Idea
Turns out using a crime scene as a buzz‑word is a major political faux‑pas. Critics slammed the move as:
- Indecent – Enrico Letta (PD) tweeted, “It is indecent to use images of a rape, let alone for electoral purposes.”
- Immoral – Carlo Calenda called the tweet “immoral,” refusing to pick up where Meloni left off.
- Exploitation – Writer Igiaba Scego warned, “Offered up as clickbait voyeurism instead of being protected. This electoral campaign is horrendous.”
Letta insists that “respect for people and victims always comes first.” Calenda echoes by saying “only the victims matter.”
Meloni’s Counter‑Blow
On her Facebook page she claims that her opponents attack her with the rape video, while the victim gets sidelined to avoid tackling the immigration crisis she calls the real emergency.
She even hinted at a “naval blockade of north Africa” to stop migrants from setting sail. (Yes, that’s a headline‑grabber even the Guardian would find shocking.)
Election Stakes
The Brothers of Italy (her party) is leading the race to the PM seat. With the national election looming on Sept 25, every tweet counts, and this one might not land a pop‑vote.
Bottom Line
Using a painful moment for political mileage? That’s like mixing your dessert with a box of trash. The political churls have heard it all, and the public’s response is a blunt “no.” Meloni’s next move? Either smooth out the episode or face the fact that every flashy strategy can backfire when the public can’t stand for it.
