"Go back to Barbagia": this is the insult-invitation addressed in the hall of the municipal council of Fiumicino from the benches of the council to the opposition representative Pierpaola Meloni, born and raised in Cuglieri, moved to the center of Lazio 20 years ago, where she manages a 'business.
Recounting the episode, which dates back to the meeting of the Chamber on 15 December,
it's Meloni herself: «We were discussing the single programming document», explains Meloni, «opposed by our opposition with 175 amendments that kept the majority in the chamber until three in the morning. During the session, however, the unthinkable happened, with nervousness taking over what should have been a democratic and civil discussion."
As also documented by the video recordings, the councilor for culture Valentina Torresi launched the attack: «Go back to Barbagia». An "invitation", respecting the most classic of clichés, which arrived after Meloni had intervened by promoting a street art path, also citing Orgosolo and the murals as a model.
Faced with the accusation, shared on social media, Torresi underlined: «I didn't say what you wrote, at least in the way you quoted it. I understand that your role as a minority and opposition also includes provocation, mystification and exploitation, but not a lack of fairness towards the citizens who read."
To then continue: «The truth must be told well and completely, but I understand that you are not used to it. I don't have the desire or time to get into chatter, I have too much to work for the Municipality of Fiumicino and beyond."
Even the mayor Mario Bacini (a former minister, deputy and senator), contacted by telephone to ask if he intends to show solidarity or apologize, cut short: «Apologies to the Sardinians? I didn't have the opportunity to hear this passage in the courtroom. The session was intense and I cannot have a complete opinion."
Then Meloni clarifies: «I'm not looking for excuses for myself, but for the Sardinians: they have been disrespected. Councilor Torresi should fully know Barbagia and its wonderful people before making these judgments. In 2023, still being at these levels is absurd. I will ask for an official apology in the next city council meeting. The measure is full."