Modena Mayor defends Dig Festival funding and programming

Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti has defended the city's support for the Dig Festival, an investigative journalism event, following political criticism regarding its programming and funding. The controversy centers on the festival's use of the song ‘Bella Ciao’ and the allocation of 100,000 euros in public funds.

Opposition leaders have characterized the event as a ‘niche political festival.’ Additionally, the return of Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, has drawn scrutiny due to previous tensions between her and the mayor. Mezzetti dismissed the backlash as ‘artificially created,’ asserting that the administration supports the high-quality event for its ability to attract international journalists and stimulate the local economy.