Matteo Bassetti defends scientific freedom after Foligno protests

Infectious disease specialist Matteo Bassetti faced protests from local representatives of the Futuro Nazionale party during a medical conference in Foligno. The event, titled ‘Primi in Salute’, focused on prevention, medical research, and the critical public health emergency of antibiotic resistance.

Bassetti responded to the opposition via social media, asserting that scientists must remain free to discuss medicine and research without political interference. He challenged critics to engage in debate using scientific data and studies rather than political arguments. He also criticized the local administration for not granting patronage to the event and for its perceived silence regarding the insults directed at him.

During his presentation at the San Domenico Auditorium, Bassetti described antimicrobial resistance as a ‘silent pandemic,’ noting that Italy remains among the countries most exposed to the risks of bacteria becoming resistant to drugs.