For Italians, freedom of expression is more entrenched in the EU than in Italy

Brussels – Freedom of expression and speech are more typical of the European Union than of Italy,  according to what Italians claimed, responding to a specific question in the latest Eurobarometer survey on EU challenges and priorities for the new legislature. The majority of men and women surveyed (55 percent) believe that this democratic principle is better respected at the European level than at the national level. The response rekindles the controversy and aftermath of the publication of the Rule of Law Report, in which the EU executive did not fail to criticize, question, and make worrying observations about the health of Italy’s democracy. Italians seem to have doubts about how they live in their own country regarding rights and freedoms since that same majority (55 percent) also maintains that, compared with Italy, the respect for fundamental rights and values is more embodied in the European Union. The perception of Italians in Italy confirms the reality pictured in Brussels a few days ago, saying that much work is needed to improve.

The Italian figure does not deviate much from the average, signaling that similar impressions about the national situation are widespread. In any case, it resonates as a rebuttal to the words of Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio, who said it was a non-factual, and therefore untrue, representation of reality. The Eurobarometer and Italians have spoken: you cannot speak in Italy. Or rather, you can speak more freely outside the country.