Sergio Mattarella warns on Rai independence amid political gridlock

President Sergio Mattarella used the traditional Ventaglio ceremony to stress the need for independence and pluralism at the public broadcaster Rai. He warned that the stalled Commissione di Vigilanza, which should oversee Rai, threatens the service’s autonomy and cited the European Media Freedom Act as a benchmark for European standards.

Mattarella also appealed for lower political tensions, urging parties to focus on everyday problems and the growing risk of voter abstention. He condemned violence and urged respect in political debate, linking the health of the media sector to broader European security and migration challenges.