Trieste Mayor Roberto Dipiazza faced intense criticism from political opponents, specifically PD deputy Debora Serracchiani, after controversial remarks regarding recent street clashes. Speaking to Il Piccolo, Dipiazza stated that while the Constitution guarantees the right to protest, demonstrations must be peaceful. He warned that if protesters use violence, such as throwing paper bombs, he would 'shoot them in the head.' This followed an incident two nights prior where three police officers were injured.
Serracchiani condemned the remarks as an incitement to summary execution and urged the Mayor to retract his 'disastrous' words, suggesting his rhetoric mimics a 'small Trump' and risks escalating social tensions. Opposition parties, including the Five Star Movement (M5S), joined the chorus calling for Dipiazza's resignation. Sandro Ruotolo stated that Trieste is not the mayor's property, and a mayor must enforce the law and protect everyone, not threaten to shoot people in the head. Stefano Patuanelli described the situation as of incredible gravity.
The controversy centers on Dipiazza’s statement: 'se lanciano bombe carta nella mia città, allora io gli sparo in testa.' Authorities must respect the right to peaceful protest, but threats of violence cross that boundary, opposition argues.
Sandro Ruotolo stated that Trieste is not the mayor's property, and a mayor must enforce the law and protect everyone, not threaten to shoot people in the head.