Translated automatically by AI from the Italian original.
CATANIA / POLITICS & NEWS – Tensions ran high today in Catania, where a public event featuring Ismaele La Vardera and Alessandro Onorato was abruptly cut short by shouting, insults and, according to reports, attempts at physical assault.
The incident triggered an immediate wave of reactions and condemnation in the political world. Among the first to speak out was Salvo Tomarchio, an MP for Forza Italia in the Sicilian Regional Assembly (ARS), who expressed full solidarity with the two politicians.
[Image: View of Catania with Palazzo degli Elefanti in Piazza Duomo, the city’s institutional symbol]
Salvo Tomarchio’s stance
In an official statement on the incident, the regional MP stressed that such behaviour is unacceptable, emphasising the importance of freedom of expression and mutual respect, regardless of party affiliation:
“I express my full solidarity with Ismaele La Vardera and Alessandro Onorato for what happened today in Catania, where a public event was disrupted by shouting, insults and, according to reports, attempts at physical confrontation. Regardless of my political differences with La Vardera, democratic debate cannot be stifled by bullying and threats. Politicians must be able to meet citizens safely, and participants must be able to listen. It would be serious, if confirmed, if individuals who glorify mafia culture in their artistic output were involved.”
Tomarchio then stressed the true identity of the Catania community, which rejects intolerance:
“Catania is something else entirely: it is a city open to democratic debate, full of decent, hard-working and welcoming people who do not identify with this behaviour. We cannot allow a few individuals to tarnish its image. Every act of intimidation must be firmly condemned.”
In closing, he expressed hope that the authorities would shed full light on the incident:
“I trust the authorities will clarify what happened, while I wish La Vardera and Onorato every success in continuing their work in peace, because I want our political debate with them to remain focused on policy and the issues.”
