Russian conductor Valery Gergiev was scheduled to participate in the Un'Estate da Re music festival near the city of Naples, Italy, at the end of July. However, his participation sparked heated debates in the European Parliament.
European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno:
"Gergiev, who supports Putin, participating in a festival funded by state money is absolutely unacceptable," she said.
Immediately, the European Commission responded:
"The festival is not financed by EU funds but by the Italian budget. European stages should not be given to artists who support war," said commission spokesperson Eva Grntsirova.
The FBK (Anti-Corruption Foundation), linked to Navalny, has demanded the cancellation of Gergiev's concert and plans to hold a protest in Milan on July 19.
Meanwhile, the Italian government has no plans to cancel Gergiev's performance. Vincenzo De Luca, governor of the Campania region:
"Art must remain a place for dialogue, coexistence, and respect," he stated.
The Royal Palace of Caserta, where the summer festival is held in Campania, is considered one of Italy's most important cultural landmarks.
