Italian politicians protest Antonio Tajani's comments on women's clothing

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has sparked widespread backlash following comments suggesting that women wearing longer skirts are more reliable and better suited for marriage than those wearing flashier clothing. During a political event, Tajani used an analogy to advise his son on choosing a spouse, contrasting an attractive woman in short clothing with a ‘serious’ woman in a long skirt who would be more dedicated to family and less likely to be unfaithful.

In response, eleven female senators from the Democratic Party, Italia Viva, and AVS wore miniskirts to the Italian Senate as a symbolic protest. Other political figures, including former Turin mayor Chiara Appendino, joined the demonstration, arguing that a woman’s reliability is not measured by the length of her clothing. The controversy also drew commentary from the Italian Episcopal Conference, with Monsignor Giuseppe Batur stating that all words and looks toward women should be characterized by respect.

Social media has responded with viral AI-generated images of Tajani wearing skirts. Tajani has since issued an apology, stating he had no intention of offending any women.