Giorgia Meloni denounces new antifascist certification for Italian publishing fair

Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s prime minister, criticised on X the new requirement that publishers sign an “antifascist patent” to exhibit at the “Più libri più liberi” small‑and‑medium publishing fair in Rome. The Association of Italian Publishers (AIE) announced that, for the December 4‑8 fair at La Nuvola dell’Eur, participating houses must sign a declaration recognising and sharing the antifascist values underpinning the Italian Constitution, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Meloni called the measure “censorship” and said it amounts to “cancellation of non‑left ideas”. The fair’s organizers defended the rule as necessary for “clarity and unity” and said a further review will be undertaken. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli welcomed the initiative, saying it could end a “serious misunderstanding”. Other politicians, including former prime minister Giuseppe Conte, criticised Meloni’s focus on the issue.