Vasco Rossi, the celebrated Italian rock star, found himself embroiled in a heated public dispute with Matteo Salvini, Italy's Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, over the recently implemented road code aimed at curbing drug use among drivers.
The controversial legislation, which was effective from December 14, 2024, seeks to impose stricter penalties on drivers found with traces of drugs—particularly cannabis—regardless of whether they are exhibiting signs of impairment. Rossi has vocally opposed these measures, arguing they serve more as political propaganda than genuine public safety initiatives.
Rossi first addressed the contentious issue through social media, posting a sarcastic video where he criticized the law's framework, stating, "The minister Matteo Salvini has made it so for your good, if you have smoked even one week prior and are stopped, you can be arrested immediately and your driving license taken away for three years." He underscored the absurdity of punishing sober drivers for long-ago cannabis use, raising concerns about civil liberties and the practical application of such laws.
Salvini responded to Rossi's allegations during regional congresses, asserting, "I would like Vasco Rossi to not confront me, but the relatives of someone who has died because their driver was under the influence of drugs. There is nothing funny when it involves alcohol and drugs." He emphasized the road code's primary goal is to save lives, defending the regulations against Rossi's critique.
According to the new code, establishing impairment is no longer necessary for punitive actions. Instead, the presence of drugs within the system—even from previous usage—raises the likelihood of arrest and lengthy suspensions of driving privileges. This paradigm shift has sparked strong backlash from various public figures, including Rossi, who stated emphatically, "I am also close to the relatives of road accident victims caused by drunk or drugged drivers. But Salvini's new law does not prevent this. It saves no lives! It punishes and arrests those who, perfectly sober, may have consumed cannabis or even passive smoke days before driving."
Rossi argued this approach not only fails to effectively reduce road fatalities but targets marginalized groups who cannot adequately defend themselves against such laws. He passionately urged, "I hate bullies! Salvini is strong with the weak and weak with the strong."
Many advocates share Rossi's sentiments, labeling the revised road code as "the law of slaughter" due to perceptions it could complicate lives without significantly improving road safety. Critics suggest the regulations might do little to thwart the actual causes of traffic incidents, which often involve multiple, compounded factors—and not merely the previous consumption of substances like cannabis.
The exchange escalated as Rossi utilized social media to amplify his dissent, sharing reactions from peers within the music industry. Notably, fellow artist Roberto Vecchioni criticized the legislation as politically motivated rather than aimed at genuine safety, labeling it as nonsense: "A kid who smokes even just a little in Holland is caught here and has everything taken from him. Why penalize someone when they are innocent?"
Salvini retained his stance, pointing out the tragic reality of roadway fatalities due to substance abuse. He stated, "There is no laughing or joking when our children’s lives are at stake." He expressed admiration for Rossi as a musician, yet remained steadfast against the singer's legislative criticism, reinforcing the government's commitment to safeguarding citizens from road-related dangers.
Rossi, undeterred, continued to press his case against the new policies, contending the enforcement of these laws would unjustly result in job losses for individuals unable to drive due to license suspensions. He implored, “Come on, change this law!”—showing persistent resolve and frustration with the perceived injustice of laws targeting non-impaired individuals.
Public opinion appears divided on the issue, as supporters of stricter drug laws cite the undeniable risks posed by impaired driving. Conversely, advocates for legal reforms argue for more nuanced approaches, emphasizing the importance of measured responses over broad, punitive measures affecting responsible users of substances.
Despite the clashing sentiments between the two public figures, the dispute emphasizes larger societal concerns over drug policy and its intersection with individual rights. The debate continues as both Rossi and Salvini represent two sides of the complex narrative surrounding drug use, personal responsibility, and public safety on Italy's roads.
With rising challenges around substance use and its regulation, this public dispute serves not only as entertainment but also as a catalyst for rigorous dialogue about the efficacy and ethics of new road codes.
