by InTrieste
The Italian foreign minister said he had been “misunderstood” after comparing choosing a wife to choosing how to vote, prompting criticism from opposition parties, women’s groups and members of the governing coalition.
Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, apologized on Monday after comments linking women’s appearance to trustworthiness triggered widespread criticism across the political spectrum.
Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Tajani said he was sorry “if people felt offended” and insisted he had never intended to offend women. He added that his remarks had been “misunderstood.”
The controversy began during a political event near Rome on Friday, where Tajani used the choice of a wife for his son as a metaphor for political loyalty. He contrasted a “flashy” attractive woman with a more discreet woman whom he described as serious, faithful and suited to keeping a family together. He later extended the comparison by referring to women with “longer skirts” as representing the more reliable choice.
The remarks prompted protests on social media, with many women posting photographs of themselves in short skirts alongside messages rejecting the idea that clothing reflects character or reliability.
Opposition politicians, including members of the Five Star Movement, Italia Viva and the Green-Left Alliance, condemned the comments as reinforcing patriarchal stereotypes. Criticism also came from within the governing coalition, where Lega MEP Susanna Ceccardi publicly mocked the suggestion during a party rally.
The anti-violence organization Telefono Rosa said it was unacceptable to imply that others should decide how women dress, behave or define their role within the family, arguing that such judgments contribute to forms of social control.
Defending himself, Tajani pointed to his record as foreign minister, noting that he had appointed women as Italy’s ambassadors to Iran and Afghanistan as a signal in support of women’s rights. Critics responded that the appointments should be viewed on merit rather than gender.
The episode has reignited debate in Italy over gender stereotypes and the language used by senior public officials.
