Matteo Rossi, Capogruppo (Group Leader) of the PSD, has called on San Marino’s institutions to show greater restraint in how they communicate about the racing driver. He made the appeal during Monday 9 November’s session of the Second Permanent Council Commission, referencing the recent celebrations surrounding Kimi Antonelli’s Formula 1 world title win.
«We would like this communication to shed a certain patina of provincialism that, unfortunately, we see emerging more and more often», Rossi said. He was referring to the world champion, «who at times is even used by our institutions almost as if he were a state trophy».
The Councillor expressed satisfaction over the victory and over the driver’s presence in the Republic. “The sporting achievement,” he noted, “is extraordinary and is also a source of pride for San Marino.” However, he asked that the reasons behind the family’s move not be forgotten: “the Antonelli family chose to settle on the Titano years ago in order to develop their business activities, as permitted by law.”
His reasoning touches on the Republic’s international image, the use of social media, and the public exposure of those holding official roles: “certain forms of communication do not help us represent our country in the best possible way.”
The PSD group leader then raised a specific issue: is it appropriate for certain public officials to appear on national television broadcasts to discuss these matters and contribute to the champion’s media exposure? Rossi urged reflection on this point as well, calling for greater attention to everyone’s respective role.
He is not disputing the celebrations or the public’s affection. «We are all happy, in a way we all feel like world champions too, and our hearts are truly filled with pride over this achievement», he said. But a warning followed immediately after: «Let’s be careful, though, that certain behaviours don’t end up pushing him further away from the Republic of San Marino».
