# Monza political response to Le Monde racism report > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/monza-political-response-to-le-monde-racism-report > Updated: 2026-09-27T18:47:50.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Following a report by the French newspaper Le Monde describing Monza as having an ‘atmosphere of uninhibited racism,’ local political leaders in Monza have issued formal rebuttals. Alessandro Corbetta, the Lega group leader in the Lombardy Regional Council, contested the report’s links between security concerns and racism. He specifically addressed the vandalism of a statue at Ponte dei Leoni, arguing that citizens have a right to demand safety without being labeled racist. Corbetta also criticized French immigration models, citing social tensions in French banlieues as evidence of failed policies. Monza Mayor Paolo Pilotto also rejected the characterizations, stating, ‘Monza is not a racist city.’ While acknowledging a ‘palpable need’ for increased security, Pilotto argued the report was a journalistic simplification. He defended the city’s social services and volunteer networks, asserting that the administration is addressing security through surveillance and prevention rather than through racial tension. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-27: Monza Mayor denies racism allegations following Le Monde report Monza Mayor Paolo Pilotto has denied allegations of widespread racism in the city following a report by Le Monde that described an ‘atmosphere of uninhibited racism’ in the Italian municipality. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monza-mayor-denies-racism-allegations-following-le-monde-report ### 2026-09-25: Monza politician rejects Le Monde report on far-right and racism Lega leader Alessandro Corbetta has rejected a Le Monde report on Monza, arguing that seeking security is not racism and criticizing France's immigration integration model. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monza-politician-rejects-le-monde-report-on-far-right-and-racism --- Cite as: Monza political response to Le Monde racism report. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/monza-political-response-to-le-monde-racism-report