La Scala to return Saudi funding

MILAN: Italy’s La Scala opera house has decided to return more than €3million (R49m) in funding to Saudi Arabia after a plan to work closely with the country was widely criticised, including by members of the governing League party.

The Saudi proposal, which would have included giving a seat on the La Scala board to Saudi Arabia’s culture minister, set off a furious row, with human rights groups and some politicians arguing that one of Italy’s most prestigious cultural institutions should shun Saudi money.

Deputy Prime Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini had urged the opera house to reject the cash. |