Meloni: PD members insult me for being from the Ciociaria region, but I’m proud of it

‘Personal attacks – on my appearance, my family, my origins. But today we’re changing the tone. And the level has changed. Because a member of the Democratic Party, a certain Floriano Della Bella, said during a Pontedera City Council meeting that Meloni is a “ciociara, in the most derogatory sense”. For this, he was reprimanded by the Chair of the Council, another member of the PD, who added: ‘Please use language befitting your role’. So, for these gentlemen, being a ‘ciociara’ is a disgrace, and saying it to someone is tantamount to insulting them. Not only that: it is even a term that should not be uttered in an institutional setting. I’m sorry for them, but I don’t see it that way. And I’m proud to be called a ‘ciociara’.” This was written by Council President Giorgia Meloni in a post on X.

‘Because Ciociaria is one of the most beautiful, ancient and extraordinary regions in Italy. A land of popes and military leaders, of saints and artists, of writers and poets. Cicero, Gaius Marius, Boniface VIII, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Marcello Mastroianni, Vittorio De Sica, Nino Manfredi and so many other men and women who, over the course of time, have shaped our history. They talk endlessly about the people, respect and unity. Yet then, in one fell swoop, they insult nearly half a million Italians by calling them inferior, ignorant and second-class citizens. But the only ones who are ignorant are they themselves. Long live Ciociaria!”