Sanremo 2026: Ermal Meta at the Center of Gaza Debate and Salvini's Gaffe

This year's edition of the Sanremo festival is marked by deep ideological divisions and controversies surrounding the commercialization of the spectacle. The central figure has become Ermal Meta, whose song addressing the suffering in the Gaza Strip sparked a nationwide discussion. In his statements, the artist sharply criticized self-censorship in the media, emphasizing that words like "Gaza" or "Palestine" should not be treated like profanities. Legendary Adriano Celentano expressed support for the singer, predicting his indisputable victory, which further heated the atmosphere around the final decisions. The situation was complicated by a statement from Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. The politician praised Meta for his "perfect integration" and fluent command of the Italian language, which triggered a wave of mockery on social media and in the press. It was recalled that the artist has lived in Italy for 30 years and is a citizen of the country, and his work has long been a pillar of the local pop scene. The gaffe by the League leader was perceived as patronizing and inadequate to the musician's status. The Sanremo Festival, inaugurated in 1951, has for decades served as a barometer of social moods in Italy, often becoming a place for political manifestations that go beyond the framework of pure entertainment. Parallel to the political threads, the festival is grappling with accusations of crypto-advertising. RAI, the public broadcaster, has launched an official investigation into the "Animali notturni" cosmetics set promoted by Malika Ayane. Suspicions also concern Fedez, who is accused of informal product placement for tobacco heaters. Critics, including consumer associations, point to the moral ambiguity of promoting harmful substances during peak viewership. „Non si può dire „Gaza” o „充分Palestina”, come se fossero bestemmie. Ma la vera bestemmia è il fatto che vengano cancellate” — Ermal Meta The atmosphere on the streets of Sanremo was heated up by Roman street artist Laika, who sailed to the Ligurian coast from Barcelona as part of a protest supporting Gaza. Her installation directly references Ermal Meta's song, combining visual art with a musical message. Despite numerous controversies, the festival is recording record viewership figures, particularly during comedy acts and duets, confirming the event's unwavering position in popular culture.