Venice ex-mayor Cacciari slams mosque plans as 'ideology,' urges mayor to respect Constitution

Massimo Cacciari, the former mayor of Venice, has strongly criticized the current administration's approach to the proposed mosque in Mestre, labeling it as driven by ideology rather than sound urban planning. Cacciari, who served two terms as mayor, asserted that the debate over integration, particularly concerning the local Bengali community, is being mishandled.

He directly challenged Mayor Simone Venturini's conditions for integration, which reportedly included demands related to attire and customs. Cacciari described such measures as "pure barbarism" and a regression from European cultural principles. He emphasized that the fundamental rule for integration is adherence to the Italian Constitution, which guarantees tolerance and equality for all religious beliefs.

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It is pure barbarism, a regression compared to the fundamental principles of European culture, from Christianity to the Enlightenment. It is appalling that one measures someone's integration based on how they are dressed. Those are their customs.

"Who decides what integration consists of? Venturini? Meloni? Schlein?" Cacciari questioned, pointing out that the Constitution mandates the state's effort to ensure equal conditions for everyone. He suggested that any politician should first pass a constitutional law test before making such pronouncements.

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The rules of integration are not decided by Venturini. The fundamental rule is respect for the Constitution.

Cacciari believes the opposition to the mosque is a political tactic by Mayor Venturini and his allies, who campaigned against it. He stated that while urban planning regulations can be modified, the current political parties lack the willingness to engage in civil dialogue with different religious communities, opting instead for opposition.

Referring to past discussions where elements like minarets were removed from mosque designs, Cacciari drew an analogy to a church being denied a bell tower. He argued that within urban and landscape constraints, an administration should strive to accommodate such requests, rather than using them as obstacles.

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It is a purely political and ideological matter. Venturini and his allies won the municipal elections by campaigning against mosques, and clearly, they continue to do so.