Strega Prize rules do not allow exclusions, says Bellonci Foundation

The Bellonci Foundation has firmly stated that the regulations governing the prestigious Strega Prize do not permit the exclusion of any author or their submitted work. This declaration addresses recent press reports suggesting that Michele Mari might be considered for exclusion from the 80th edition of the literary award.

The foundation clarified that the Strega Prize rules explicitly prohibit such actions. According to the regulations, not even an author who has consented to enter their work can withdraw it from the competition. This stance underscores the commitment to the established procedures of the literary award.

"We believed it was our duty to distance ourselves from those statements," the foundation communicated, indicating their disapproval of any consideration for exclusion. They further specified that this position has no bearing on the literary merit of the books competing or the continuation of the award itself. The foundation's statement aims to uphold the integrity and established protocols of the Strega Prize.