Rome takes down unpopular Christmas tree
December 7th, 2011 - 9:55 pm ICT by Aishwarya BhattRome, Dec 7 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Officials in Rome have been forced to bring down a Christmas tree that turned out to irritate residents. Several residents including the city mayor displayed their dislike for the giant papier mache Christmas tree which was placed in the city center.
Mayor Gianni Alemanno told the Associated Press that, “I don’t like it… I have to admit I don’t like it and I’ve asked for it to be replaced by a normal tree.”
The tree was placed at the main square of the city on Monday. Following several protests from the public, the tree was brought down on Tuesday. The officials have placed the blame on the subcontractor who was hired to decorate the Christmas icon. The city said they plan to install a simple tree to replace the one taken down.
The mayor is not the only high-profile personality who spoke against the tree. Senator Stefano Pedica told the Associated Press that, “The tree on Piazza Venezia is the epitome of bad taste.”
The city council in Rome often comes under criticism after major structures are erected. Earlier this year, the officials were criticized after they installed a giant statue of late Pope John Paul II.
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Tags: bad taste, christmas, christmas tree, city mayor, dislike, epitome, gianni alemanno, giant statue, john paul ii, main square, papier mache, personality, piazza venezia, pope john paul, pope john paul ii, protests, rome, stefano pedica, subcontractor