Categories: Europe News

Cecile Kyenge: Italy’s first black minister attacked with bananas

Italian politicians have reacted with anger after Cecile Kyenge, the country’s first black minister, had bananas thrown at her during a political rally.

Integration Minister Cecile Kyenge, who has suffered racial abuse in the past, dismissed the act as “a waste of food”.

But Environment Minister Andrea Orlando said on Twitter he felt the “utmost indignation” over the incident.

Earlier this month an Italian senator apologized after saying Cecile Kyenge reminded him of an orangutan.

Congolese-born Cecile Kyenge was speaking at a Democratic Party (PD) rally in Cervia on Friday when an unidentified spectator threw bananas towards the stage, narrowly missing her.

Cecile Kyenge, Italy’s first black minister, had bananas thrown at her during a political rally

Italian police say they are trying to find the culprit.

Responding on Twitter, Cecile Kyenge called the incident “sad” and “a waste of food”.

“The courage and optimism to change things has to come above all from the bottom up to reach the institutions,” she added.

Italian politicians rallied behind her on Saturday with messages of support and condemnation.

Education Minister Maria Chiara Carrozza praised Cecile Kyenge for her courage and determination in such a hostile climate.

Veneto regional governor Luca Zaia from the anti-immigration Northern League also spoke out against the incident, saying: “Throwing bananas, personal insults… acts like these play no part in the civilized and democratic discussion needed between the minister and those who don’t share her opinion.”

Correspondents say the slurs and threats suffered by Cecile Kyenge have highlighted the extent of casual racism in Italian society.

Senate vice-president Roberto Calderoli, of the Northern League, faced calls to quit earlier this month after making the orangutan remarks.

Roberto Calderoli told parliament he had made a “serious mistake” with his “offensive” comment and he would send Cecile Kyenge a bunch of roses.

tLbxWMUtp0I
Diane A. Wade

Diane is a perfectionist. She enjoys searching the internet for the hottest events from around the world and writing an article about it. The details matter to her, so she makes sure the information is easy to read and understand. She likes traveling and history, especially ancient history. Being a very sociable person she has a blast having barbeque with family and friends.

Recent Posts

White House 2024: Voter Fraud Claims Flood Social Media

Misleading allegations, rumours and outright lies about voting and fraud are flooding online spaces in…

1 day ago

Spain: At Least 158 Killed In The Country’s Worst Flooding Disaster

At least 158 people have died in Spain's worst flooding disaster in generations. On October…

4 days ago

Russia Fines Google $20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, Surpassing Global GDP

Google has been fined two undecillion (a two followed by 36 zeroes) roubles by a…

4 days ago

Financing Your Home Remodel: 7 Tips for Success

Embarking on a home remodel is an exciting journey, promising enhanced comfort, increased property value,…

2 weeks ago

Donald Trump Serves Up McDonald’s Fries While Kamala Harris Celebrates 60th Birthday with Church Choir

The US presidential candidates continued to campaign across key swing states on October 20. Footage…

2 weeks ago

America PAC: Elon Musk Promises to Award $1M Each Day to Swing States Voters

Elon Musk has said he will give away $1 million a day to a registered…

2 weeks ago