A video intervention by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the upcoming edition of the Sanremo music festival (February 7-11) in Italy is causing a stir among the local political class.
A pre-recorded message from President Zelesnky will be broadcast during the event, which will air on RAI on February 11. In this two-minute video, he thanks Italy for its support in the war against Russia.
“The Party and Nothing Else”
According to local media, this filmed intervention was almost suppressed due to pressure from various members of the RAI board of directors. Many members of the political class have also denounced Zelensky’s involvement.
“Let’s hope that Sanremo remains the Italian song festival and nothing more,” said Matteo Salvini, vice president of Italy’s Council of Ministers and leader of the far-right Northern League party.
“I hope that the war ends as soon as possible and that Sanremo continues to be a place dedicated to music,” he added.
“A mistake”
“Our support for Ukraine is beyond doubt,” Carlo Calenda, the leader of Action, a social liberal party, tweeted. “However, I think it is a mistake to mix a musical event with a message from the president of a country at war.”
Zelensky has made similar appearances at Grammy and Golden Globe ceremonies in recent months. She also participated in the opening ceremonies of the Cannes and Venice festivals.
Source: BFM TV
