“Francesco Grandinetti would do well to focus on the deep fractures running through the Democratic Party in his city, Lamezia Terme, rather than intervening with moralistic and out-of-context tones on administrative dynamics concerning Catanzaro. The recent statements by the former center-left mayoral candidate, Doris Lo Moro, shocked by the defeat suffered also due to internal snipers within the PD, clearly depict the political chaos in which that party finds itself. Before setting himself up as a champion of causes that do not belong to him, Grandinetti should question the center-left’s responsibilities in the political and electoral disaster that has hit his area.”
This was stated by Eugenio Riccio, city councilor for the center-right in Catanzaro, in response to the intervention of the former president of the Lametino PD following statements about the “Catanzaro Pride 2026.”
“On the merits – Riccio continues – it is necessary to point out what emerges from City Council Resolution No. 357 of June 18, 2025, with which the municipal administration led by Mayor Nicola Fiorita allocated 2,000 euros of public funds, coming from the Department of Public Education, to finance the ‘Road to Pride 2026’ project, promoted by the association ‘Arciequa Catanzaro APS.’ These resources, which should be destined for the education, school and cultural growth of our young people, are instead being diverted to support events and content that are openly ideological, linked to the promotion of so-called ‘gender theories.’”
“This choice – Riccio continues – is not only an improper use of public resources, but also yet another manifestation of a ‘woke’ culture that wants to penetrate institutions through cultural and educational channels, conveying partial, divisive worldviews that are completely foreign to the tradition, sensibility, and deep identity of our community. The Pride, as conceived and promoted by this administration, is not a celebration of freedom, but an ideological operation with more political than civil aims, a tool through which to impose a fluid, unstructured, relativistic single thought, contrary to any principle of balance and social rootedness.”
“Catanzaro – Riccio adds – is experiencing a dramatic moment, marked by urban decay, neglect of the suburbs, chronic inefficiencies, stalled construction sites, and a total lack of administrative vision. Instead of addressing these critical issues, public attention is being shifted to events loaded with symbolism and propaganda, while families, shopkeepers, young people, and the elderly feel increasingly alone and without points of reference.”
“The use of the civil rights flag to mask administrative incapacity is a shortcut that no longer fools anyone. This is not about censoring anyone, but about strongly demanding that institutions remain neutral and do not lend themselves to cultural manipulations that fuel conflict rather than build cohesion.”
“If the Fiorita administration intends to continue down this path – Riccio concludes – it will have to do so by taking full political and moral responsibility for it. The center-right will be present, in the Council and among the citizens, to oppose this drift with seriousness and determination. Catanzaro needs good governance, infrastructure, jobs, services. Not symbolic demonstrations that offend common sense and betray the trust of voters.”