Right-wing politician Giorgia Meloni, who has been promoted to Italy’s first female prime minister, was astonished by stating that in future she would like to be addressed as “il presidente del consiglio” (the prime minister). She made it clear that she wanted to use the masculine form of her title. This caused criticism, especially in left-wing circles.
“Italy’s first female head of government wants a male title. Is the affirmation of the feminine too much to ask of the head of the Paratei Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy)?” Laura Boldrini, MP for the Democratic Party, wrote on social networks. She complained that the party name ignored women.
Journalists’ union also rages
Criticism also came from the union of Italian Rai journalists Usigrai. “While Italy struggles to meet European standards for the use of the female in public offices and professions, we are witnessing a dangerous step backwards,” the union said in a letter. She asked all journalists to pay attention to gender-specific language.
The union pointed out that the company’s gender policy, recently approved by Rai’s board of directors, stipulates that the feminine noun should be used whenever possible.
“No colleague can therefore be forced to use the masculine noun in the Melonis case, on the contrary, RAI journalists are obliged to use the feminine noun in their names,” said Usigrai.
Meloni’s cabinet has fewer female ministers than that of her predecessor Mario Draghi. Only six women are part of the new legal cabinet. In the previous government of Mario Draghi, there were eight women among 23 members.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
