Italy politicians spark controversy over comments on women's attire

Italian political figures Antonio Tajani, Vice Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Roberto Vannacci, leader of Futuro Nazionale, have sparked widespread controversy following comments regarding women and their attire.

Tajani suggested that a woman wearing longer skirts might be more reliable, serious, and a better mother, contrasting them with more glamorous women. While Tajani issued an apology stating he did not intend to offend, the remarks drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users.

The controversy intensified after Vannacci remarked that between a woman in a long skirt and one in a short skirt, he would prefer a woman “without a skirt,” later clarifying he meant women could wear trousers.

In response, several female parliamentarians and senators staged symbolic protests, including wearing miniskirts in the Senate to defend their right to self-determination and freedom of expression. Various political groups, including the Democratic Party and Noi Moderati, have condemned the statements as patriarchal and regressive.