The director of the Academy Gallery compared Florence to a ‘whore’ and sparked outrage in Italy

Mass tourism has made Florence a “prostitute”The director of one of the city’s main museums was announced on Monday, drawing the ire of political leaders, including the Italian culture minister. “Once a city is a whore, it’s hard to be a virgin again.”Cecile Hallberg, director of the Accademia Gallery, which houses Michelangelo’s statue of David, told the press on the sidelines of an event.

“Florence is so beautiful and I want it to return to its citizens and not be crushed by tourism”, added the German historian, denouncing colonial streets lined with souvenir shops. Also “It’s already too late”she added, according to the daily La RepublicaWarned that if we did not put a brake on the number, she did not see “More Hope”.

The Academy Gallery later released a statement in which Ms. Hallberg apologized “For using inappropriate words” About the city she loves. “What I wanted to say is that Florence, for all of Italy, should witness more and more sustainable tourism and not mass tourism,” she declared.

But Culture Minister Gennaro Sanguiliano said his comments were “Severe and offensive” for Florence and all Italy, and threatened to take action, declared that he “Will evaluate all appropriate measures” Within the framework of the present law.

Prime Minister Giorgia Maloney’s nationalist government has been accused of promoting more Italians to high cultural positions, as well as encouraging more people sympathetic to its right-wing views. Last year, ministers approved a change that would see opera conductors leave their posts when they reach age 70, a move widely seen as a way to keep some foreigners out of office.

Alessia Bettini, the deputy mayor of Florence, also opposed Cecile Hallberg, saying that if the city is a whore “Are Florentines children of whores and tourists clients of whores?”. Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, a senator from Florence, said Ms Holberg “Must apologize or resign”.

Other officials in Italy have expressed concern about the impact of overtourism, particularly in cities such as Florence – where the historic center remains crowded most of the year – and Venice. After UNESCO warned of the risk of losing its priceless World Heritage status, Venice announced its intention to test a ticketing system to try to control visitor numbers starting in April last year.