The tricolour sash is removed, controversy over the mayor of Merano Zeller: "Serious act"

The gesture of the newly elected mayor of Merano, Katharina Zeller , is causing controversy in Alto Adige. During her inauguration at the Town Hall, she immediately took off her tricolor sash and then placed it on the table. In the scene, immortalized by the cameras, Zeller can be heard asking her predecessor Dario Dal Medico who is wearing the sash: "Are you sure I really have to?", and then immediately taking it off saying "let's put it away, come on".

Dal Medico reacts annoyed and when Zeller invites him to keep the key to the city together, he points to the band and says: "You put that one on and I'll keep this one (the key, ed.)". The mayor laughs and replies "Come on, then you don't keep it".

Provincial councilor Christian Bianchi (Forza Italia) in an initial comment speaks of a "serious act against all Italians in Merano by the new mayor of Merano Zeller: "I hope all the Italian-speaking Merano residents of Merano who voted for her realize the consideration she has for them. We can only imagine what attention will be paid to them during her mandate".

The mayor then tried to explain her gesture: "My reaction in removing the tricolour sash immediately after it had been placed on my shoulders must in no way be interpreted as a gesture of contempt towards the symbols of the Republic or towards the tricolour itself. I will wear the sash with the utmost respect in all circumstances foreseen by the institutional protocol, as my German-speaking predecessors have always done".

"I would also like to point out - he continues - that in Alto Adige, by custom, the official badge provided for mayors is the medallion with the city's coat of arms. In this context, the insistence of the lawyer Dal Medico in wanting me to also wear the armband in a forced manner and outside of local practices was perceived by me as a provocative gesture and a clear sign of institutional discourtesy".

Zeller continues: "In a moment already full of tension, I experienced that gesture as a personal challenge. My reaction was instinctive, human, and in no way political or symbolic against the tricolor. I am sorry to see that they are trying to exploit this episode to divert attention from the real news: the clear and historic victory in the runoff, with a margin of 1,880 votes".

According to the new mayor, "this attempt to raise an unfounded controversy only aims to diminish the importance of a mature political change, built on a real dialogue between linguistic groups, which I have always promoted and will continue to promote with responsibility. If my gesture has offended the sensibilities of anyone, I sincerely apologize".