Italy [Rome], September 23: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni drew sharp criticism on Sunday from some social media users for posting a selfie of herself smiling with actor Mel Gibson over the caption "Mel&Mel" as many Italians were battling flood waters.
While there were 120,000 "likes" on Instagram, there were also angry comments. "We're sinking into the mud here," one user posted.
Meloni, who has been heading a coalition of three right-wing parties for almost two years, did not join a special cabinet meeting that was held at much the same time as the publication of the photo.
She posts regularly on Instagram and other platforms.
The American actor is in Italy to explore locations that could host the filming of his next cinematic project: the highly anticipated sequel to The Passion of the Christ.
On September 18, he was spotted in Matera and Gravina in Puglia, places known for their scenic beauty, which had fascinated him since the time of the first film, released in 2004.
Last week Storm Boris battered the north-east and central regions of Italy, days after causing widespread flooding in central Europe.
More than 1,000 residents in the north-eastern region of Emilia Romagna were evacuated, while towns in the central region of Marche reported serious flooding and disruption.
Source: Qatar Tribune