Vittorio Feltri, the prominent Italian journalist and media personality, continues to dominate headlines as he navigates both his career and personal battles. Most recently, he appeared on the show "Lo Stato delle Cose" hosted by Massimo Giletti, where he shared insights on significant international and national political scenarios. The episode aired on March 3, 2025, and featured live discussions on pressing issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the economic challenges facing Italy and Europe.
Feltri is not known for his diplomatic approach—viewers often anticipate bold and colorful metaphors from him when discussing complex political matters. The episode also saw Giletti face off against the leader of the Five Star Movement, Giuseppe Conte, showcasing tensions surrounding the conflict and its economic ramifications.
Further scrutiny of Feltri's public persona came from his controversial comments made during the pandemic. The Lazio Administrative Court recently upheld sanctions against Feltri, who previously faced backlash for his derogatory remarks about southern Italians, declaring, "meridionali inferiori" during the 2020 pandemic. His statements sparked immediate outrage, resulting in accusations of hate speech and subsequent legal challenges. The court emphasized the seriousness of Feltri's rhetoric, stating, "the affirmations made by Vittorio Feltri are not susceptible to contextualization, considering their gravity." This ruling affirms the need for accountability among media figures when it pertains to potentially inflammatory statements.
Feltri's remarks stemmed from discussions about the COVID-19 pandemic and the reactions of political figures like Vincenzo De Luca, the governor of Campania. During those discussions, Feltri suggested, "I believe nobody wants to move to Campania; what would we do there, parking attendants?" Such assertions reveal the deep-seated stereotypes and biases he holds, which critics argue are damaging and perpetuate discrimination.
Despite these controversies, Feltri remains undeterred. He openly discusses his battles with health issues as well, facing cancer—a rare male breast cancer diagnosed through routine medical checks. The diagnosis came as both shocking and troubling; Feltri underwent surgery on March 1, 2022, to address the illness. Throughout his recovery, he has remained committed to his journalism, asserting the importance of continuing his work and confronting his health challenges head-on.
Feltri shared his experience publicly, expressing solidarity with fellow public figures facing health issues, such as rapper Fedez. He penned an open letter discussing his cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of not hiding one's struggles and advocating for early detection and awareness about male breast cancer, which remains relatively rare yet lethal.
Aside from health issues, Feltri’s media appearances have created ripples throughout Italian politics. His blunt approach has made him both allies and enemies, especially among political opponents and within media circles. For example, during his recent television appearance, Feltri described French President Emmanuel Macron as "the worst of all" when discussing the geopolitical situation. He stated, "I am concerned about his mental health," adding layers to the debate surrounding international leadership during global crises.
Feltri’s relationship with the media continues to be complex, reflecting broader societal issues. The fallout of his comments and his legal challenges indicate the increasing scrutiny media figures face when discussing sensitive subjects. The recent ruling against him serves as a reminder of the responsibilities borne by public commentators, highlighting the consequences when discourse veers toward hate speech.
On the show "Lo Stato delle Cose," Giletti set the stage for intense debates, including critiques of Italian public figures, thereby echoing Feltri’s sentiments by showcasing voices of dissent among European leaders. Following the discussions on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the show pivoted to examine the increased demand for Italian citizenship among South Americans with Italian ancestry. This phenomenon, driven by historical connections and contemporary economic hopes, reflects the wider migration trend and its sociopolitical impacts on Europe.
During the episode, audiences were also treated to discussions about the burgeoning market for Italian passports and the motivations behind the significant rise in applications from citizens of Latin America. It's reported this surge is not merely about relocating to Italy, but often about gaining broader access to Europe and the United States.
Feltri continues to assert his influence within both media and politics, unafraid of the controversies his comments bring. His candid reflections on his personal health have brought new dimensions to his public persona, intertwining personal struggle with his professional commentary. Nonetheless, the resulting scrutiny and legal repercussions highlight the fine balance public figures must maintain between free expression and the responsibility to uphold respect and dignity across social divides.
With his eyes set on the media and political landscapes of Italy, Feltri remains dedicated to continuing his work, hoping to inspire others to confront their challenges and engage candidly with societal issues. His unapologetic stance on controversial matters will surely keep him at the center of public conversations as Italy navigates these turbulent times.