Italian governor defies EU calls to cancel Russian concert
RT (Russia Today)Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 3:16:07 PM
The governor of Italy's Campania region, Vincenzo De Luca, is refusing to bow to EU pressure to cancel a concert by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, who has faced criticism for his stance on the Ukraine conflict. The EU wants the event scrapped as part of broader cultural sanctions, but De Luca is standing firm, framing it as a defense of artistic freedom over politics.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one concert—it’s a microcosm of the messy debate over how far cultural boycotts should go. Should artists be punished for their political views, or does that risk turning culture into a weapon? De Luca’s defiance highlights the awkward balancing act European leaders face between solidarity with Ukraine and preserving artistic independence. It’s a story that’ll resonate beyond classical music fans, touching on free expression and the limits of geopolitical pressure.
— Curated via WP Now’s
