The sculpture…uncomfortable. Indeed, the statue of socialist discord. The mayor, Franz Caruso, has decided to “evict” the statue of Giacomo Mancini, placed in front of the Municipality in 2022 on the initiative of the municipal administration itself. This was stated in a note by the foundation named after the former minister and former mayor of Cosenza, chaired by his son Pietro.
«On January 2 – it is said in the Foundation’s press release – Mayor Caruso signed a letter, then sent via certified email to us on January 8, in which he explains that ‘it is intended to proceed with the placement of further and different works of art’ art, understood as an inseparable “unicum”, donated by the Bilotti family, as part of the Mab, the Bilotti open-air museum, whose urban perimeter has been contractually limited to the area of the city center of Cosenza. Yet it was Mayor Caruso himself, with a council resolution, who agreed on the current location of the statue, which has a clear symbolic value as it is in front of the Town Hall from which Giacomo Mancini led the city for ten years, leaving a sign still remembered today from the people of Cosenza. Caruso now asks to suggest another location within ten days, adding that “in case of lack of response, the statue will be returned”. We are speechless – states the foundation – this is an offense to everyone the people of Cosenza”.
The Bruzio mayor’s reply-clarification was immediate: «Responding to requests from citizens who live in the square which is named after the socialist leader and former mayor of Cosenza, Giacomo Mancini, I assessed the need to move the statue to the place which bears his name, Piazza Giacomo Mancini. The Foundation failed to indicate this small detail which is significant, given that currentlyand the statue is located in Piazza Carratelli. I believe it is a solution – he adds – absolutely in line with the city’s toponymy and which gives dignity to the character and also to the area where the statue will be relocated”.