The fact that Pietro Fiocchi, MEP of Fratelli d'Italia, chose to appear in the election posters with a rifle in his hands is a remarkable scene. Even more surprising is that the rifle is pointed towards the observer of the poster.
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Pietro Fiocchi's controversial election manifesto
Fiocchi probably thought it was an ingenious strategy: it could attract a significant number of voters who are passionate about hunting, perhaps guaranteeing another term in Strasbourg.
Furthermore, coming from a family leader in the production of small-caliber cartridges, this could be interpreted as an attempt to normalize the use of weapons. We therefore see Fiocchi on billboards around the province of Varese, ready to shoot with the rifle.
Other Politicians with Rifles
It is not the first time that we see an Italian political figure with a rifle in his hands. For example, the current Lombardy councilor for Tourism, Barbara Mazzali, and the hunter-counselor Carlo Bravo, often appear in photos with firearms. And let's not forget Matteo Salvini, who was photographed several times brandishing a rifle at the Verona fair.
Fiocchi and Lead Ammunition
It must be said that Fiocchi has always had a coherent political communication. Before Christmas, for example, he distributed posters portraying himself with a box of colored ammunition on his back. But this aroused controversy when, two months later, the European Union opened an infringement procedure against Italy for the use of lead in hunters' ammunition in some protected areas.
One suspects that Fiocchi, a former chairman and board member of Fiocchi of America Inc., isn’t particularly concerned about all this. In fact, in September, during a live broadcast on a popular hunting portal, he explicitly urged people to ignore the ban.
The Criticism of Angelo Bonelli
For Angelo Bonelli, national co-spokesperson for Europa Verde and deputy for Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra, Fiocchi's electoral posters demonstrate that behind Giorgia Meloni and her party there are figures that provoke shame and disgust. According to Bonelli, these figures use images of extraordinary violence for propaganda purposes, demonstrating an evident contempt for animals and nature.
Furthermore, the image of the rifle pointed at the public in Fiocchi's hands does not only represent an attack on animals, but also an aggressive gesture towards everyone. Bonelli severely criticized Meloni's lack of comment on this issue, calling it unacceptable.
Bonelli insists that these actions must be strongly rejected at the ballot box and suggests the elimination of sport hunting, as well as the creation of stronger laws for the protection of nature.
Article published on May 3, 2024 - 19:43 pm
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