Rosario Fiorello Calls on Government Over Southern Supermarket Shortages During La Pennicanza
Rosario Fiorello used his radio show The Pennicanza to address the soaring food prices and empty supermarket shelves gripping Southern Italy as a result of ongoing truck driver protests. Broadcasting on Rai Radio 2 on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the showman criticized the current cost-of-living crisis and directly urged the executive branch to intervene. The host highlighted severe market distortions caused by the transit strikes, pointing out that produce costs have surged dramatically across the region.
The daily radio strip, co-hosted with Fabrizio Biggio, quickly shifted from lighthearted comedy to a serious policy discussion. “Siamo qui a ridere e scherzare, ma non possiamo fare finta di niente,” Fiorello stated, as cited by reports. The entertainer noted that vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes have hit 10 euros per kilogram, while radicchio has climbed to 15 euros for three kilos. Highlighting the absurdity of the local economic strain, he joked that shops in the South might as well change their signs from gold buyers to lettuce buyers.
Direct Appeal to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
Moving past the initial satire, the host delivered an earnest message directed at Giorgia Meloni’s administration. The entertainer demanded immediate institutional action to resolve the supply chain disruptions affecting basic foodstuffs. “I appeal to the Government: open the tables! People cannot wait: food and basic necessities are sacred,” Fiorello stated during the broadcast.
The protests by haulers have left grocery aisles bare throughout the Mezzogiorno. While regional bodies like the Sicilian Transport Workers Committee have attempted to restart perishable goods transport, such as table grapes sitting in cold storage, broader tensions remain high. The transport sector disputes involve the emergency of expensive diesel, creating a standoff that has forced political leaders to seek emergency relief funds.
Surprise Partnership Announcement With Max Pezzali
Following his political commentary, Fiorello returned to celebrity impressions and pop culture commentary, lampooning tennis star Jannik Sinner and calling singer Giuliano Sangiorgi. Toward the end of the broadcast, the host surprised listeners with a music announcement regarding Max Pezzali. Fiorello confirmed he will join Pezzali on stage at the PalaEur arena in Rome for a live duet of the song “Come mai,” following the concert’s sell-out status.
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