Italy will push for a law imposing stiff, five-figure fines on vandals who damage monuments or other cultural sites, to help pay for the repairs and clean-up.
At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the government approved proposed legislation championed by the culture minister that would impose fines starting at €10,000 (about $17,000) and as high as €60,000 (about $100,000).
Premier Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government has a comfortable majority in Parliament, so the proposal is expected to be easily approved and adopted into law.
Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said that it recently cost the government €40,000 to clean the façade of the 15th-century Palazzo Madama, which is home to the Italian Senate, after it was vandalised. Just days ago, activists pressing for more action on climate change dumped black dye into the waters of a monumental fountain sculpted by Bernini at the foot of the Spanish Steps.
Similar activist actions have been seen across Europe over the last year. Groups have targeted notable pieces from artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Monet and Leonardo da Vinci, in an effort to raise awareness of climate change and condemn inaction from those in power.
