What's happened
Milan's city council has appealed against a proposal to rename Malpensa Airport after the late Silvio Berlusconi. The initiative, pushed by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, has sparked protests and a petition against the decision, which critics label as divisive and politically motivated.
Why it matters
What the papers say
Angela Giuffrida from The Guardian reports that Milan's mayor criticized the lack of consultation in the renaming process, calling it a 'grotesque' act. In contrast, Matteo Salvini defended the initiative, stating that opposition stems from 'hate and rancour' towards Berlusconi. The Independent highlights the historical context of the Milan-Varese motorway, emphasizing the evolution of transport in Italy, but does not directly relate to the airport renaming issue. The Guardian's coverage focuses on the political ramifications and public response, illustrating the divisive nature of the proposal.
How we got here
The push to rename Malpensa Airport follows Berlusconi's death in June 2023. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini has advocated for the change, despite a typical 10-year waiting period after a person's death for such honors. Local officials and citizens have expressed strong opposition.
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Milan is a city in northern Italy, capital of Lombardy, and the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome. Milan served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the Duchy of Milan and the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia.