Galleria dell'Accademia Director's 'Prostitute' Comment Sparks Outrage

Cecilie Hollberg's controversial remarks about Florence's struggle with mass tourism ignite political backlash and calls for her resignation.

Cecilie Hollberg, the director of Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia, has sparked controversy by comparing the city to a 'prostitute' due to the effects of mass tourism.
Hollberg's comments have been met with backlash from Italian politicians, including Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, who called her words 'serious and offensive'.
Despite apologizing and clarifying her comments, there are calls for Hollberg to step down or not have her contract renewed when it ends in June.
Hollberg's comments highlight a broader issue in Italy, with cities like Florence and Venice struggling to manage the impact of mass tourism on their cultural heritage and local economies.
The controversy also ties into a political debate in Italy about the leadership of cultural institutions, with the current government favoring Italians for top roles.