Famous Italian lyricist Mogol has become the center of a scandal after being transported from the Sanremo festival to Rome by a fire brigade helicopter. The opposition from the Five Star Movement and the Democratic Party accuses the artist and the Ministry of the Interior of treating emergency services like an "airborne taxi." The head of the interior ministry defends the decision, calling the artist a "national monument," while Mogol himself praised the comfort of the journey.

Mogol's Controversial Flight

The use of a fire brigade helicopter to transport the artist from Sanremo to Rome has sparked a wave of criticism.

Strong Opposition Reaction

The PD and M5S parties accuse the government of wastefulness and using rescue services as taxis.

Defense by the Interior Minister

Matteo Piantedosi defends the decision, calling the legendary lyricist a "national monument."

Success at Sanremo

Mogol received a lifetime achievement award to enormous applause from the festival audience.

Italian public opinion is consumed by a scandal regarding the use of state resources by private individuals. Legendary lyricist Mogol, who received a lifetime achievement award at the 76th Sanremo festival, returned to the capital aboard a helicopter belonging to the Vigili del Fuoco. This information sparked an immediate reaction from the opposition, who deemed it a blatant misuse of public property. Representatives from the Five Star Movement and the Democratic Party submitted parliamentary inquiries, demanding explanations as to why a rescue aircraft was used for the artist's private transport. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi firmly rejected the criticism, calling it "instrumental polemics." The minister argued that Mogol is a figure with the status of a national symbol, and his transport took place under procedures permitting flights of special importance for the state's image. The artist himself, after landing in Rome, did not hide his satisfaction with the flight, praising the firefighters' professionalism and the journey's comfort. The case has divided commentators between those who see it as a gesture of respect for culture and those who view it as an example of power's arrogance. Italian law strictly regulates the use of state aviation, permitting so-called state-status flights only for the highest officials or in situations of higher necessity, which has been a subject of political disputes for years. The controversy surrounding the flight somewhat overshadowed Mogol's artistic success in Sanremo. During the final evening, the artist received a standing ovation from the audience at the Ariston Theatre, which was the culmination of his long career. Besides the helicopter dispute, media also noted statements from other artists, including director Nanni Moretti, who on the occasion of the festival declared his opposition in an upcoming referendum. The Sanremo festival once again proved it is not just a song contest, but primarily a space where political, celebrity, and social interests intersect, sparking a nationwide debate.„Mogol è un monumento nazionale, polemiche strumentali” (Mogol is a national monument, instrumental polemics) — Matteo Piantedosi„Il viaggio è andato benissimo, i pompieri sono persone splendide” (The journey went very well, the firefighters are splendid people) — Mogol

Mentioned People

  • Mogol — Legendary Italian lyricist, central figure in the controversial flight.
  • Matteo Piantedosi — Italian Minister of the Interior defending Mogol's transport.
  • Nanni Moretti — Film director who declared his participation in a referendum.