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Politics
23 March 2025

Romano Prodi Faces Backlash After Altercation With Journalist

A heated exchange raises questions about respect for female journalists in political spheres.

Romano Prodi, Italy's former Prime Minister, found himself in hot water after a tense exchange with journalist Lavinia Orefici during the recent presentation of his book, 'Il dovere della speranza.' The incident, which unfolded on March 22, 2025, at the 'Libri Come 2025 - Festa del libro e della lettura' event in Rome, has since ignited significant media scrutiny and public debate over the treatment of female journalists.

The issue arose when Orefici confronted Prodi with a controversial quote from the Manifesto of Ventotene, a historical document that advocates the abolition of private property. "La proprietà privata deve essere abolita, limitata, corretta, estesa caso per caso, non dogmaticamente in linea di principio," she cited, a statement echoed recently by current Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Prodi's response was immediate and agitated: "Ma che cavolo mi chiede? Io mai detto una roba del genere in vita mia," he said, expressing incredulity at being associated with such statements.

As the exchange continued, Prodi grew increasingly frustrated, emphasizing the historical context of the Manifesto, arguing it was written in 1941 amidst a tumultuous period of fascism in Italy. "Lo so benissimo signora, non sono neanche un bambino. Ma era nel 1941, gente messa in prigione dai fascisti... Cosa pensavano secondo lei, al trattato o all'articolo secondo della Costituzione? Ma il senso della storia ce l'ha lei o no?" he retorted, illustrating his irritation and drawing attention to the gravity of the historical period and its implications.

Orefici insisted her inquiry was valid, noting she simply wanted Prodi's thoughts given the recent revival of the Manifesto's message. Unfortunately, the tone of the interaction quickly deteriorated. In a surprising turn, Orefici later accused Prodi of physically pulling her hair during their exchange, a claim that added a shocking layer to the incident. "Mi sono sentita offesa come giornalista e come donna," she stated, expressing her shock and offense at the alleged behavior. She remarked that in her ten years of journalism with Mediaset, she had never encountered such a situation.

Prodi, however, firmly denied the allegation, stating, "Non ho strattonato o tirato i capelli alla giornalista di Quarta Repubblica [...] ma ho appoggiato una mano sulla sua spalla perché stava dicendo cose assurde." His explanation was met with skepticism as voices from various media outlets pointed out the serious implications of a prominent figure like Prodi engaging in such physicality with a journalist.

The incident did not just call Prodi's conduct into question but also sparked a broader discussion about sexism and disrespect towards female journalists in male-dominated political environments. The reaction from political circles was immediate, with several members condemning Prodi's behavior. The Lega party, in particular, seized the opportunity to denounce Prodi, describing his actions as an instance of bullying and asserting that his conduct fell into the category of 'sexist aggression.' Galeazzo Bignami, a representative from Fratelli d'Italia, weighed in, criticizing how the left responds to challenging questions.

In the days following the incident, the media continued to scrutinize both Prodi’s remarks and his behavior, with upcoming footage from the encounter set to air on March 25, which reportedly captures Prodi's alleged antics. The anticipation surrounding the footage only added to the mounting tension and public discussion around the treatment of female journalists in high-profile journalistic exchanges.

Despite the unfolding controversy, Prodi's dismissal of Orefici's queries as a mere 'vulgar politicization' leaves many questioning the standards of discourse among political leaders. With significant attention on this incident, many are calling for accountability and a reassessment of how journalists, especially women, are treated in these challenging environments.

The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in political interviews, particularly when sensitive topics are addressed. As discussions continue, one thing is clear: while robust political discourse is necessary, it should never come at the expense of respect and professionalism.