McDonald’s, the popular and successful fast food restaurant from the United States, has recently set up shop near St. Peter’s Basilica. Many locals are expressing their negative views on it.
According to The Telegraph, the new McDonald’s store in Rome has and continues to receive backlash from locals due to its setting up of its business on Borgo Pio. It opened last December 30, 2016.
Many of the negative reactions stem from religious and cultural concerns. One staunch protester, Cardinal Elio Sgreccia, voiced out his opinions and stand regarding it.
He said that it is a disgrace and implied that it was a waste of Holy See property. He would rather see the property used as a means to help the less fortunate such as being converted into a hospital or shelter for the needy.
He added that the food at McDonald’s is unhealthy, not at all similar to the gastronomic traditions of Rome. Similarly, other local businessmen reportedly fear that it would threaten the artistic, cultural, and social identity of the area.
Security concerns were also thrown in the mix by Codacons and a committee formed to ensure the protection of Borgo Pio. Apparently, the neighborhood is packed with tourists and the fast food store would only succeed to bring in more tourists, creating security risks.
In response to the backlash, McDonald’s has issued a statement. It said that the shop is "fully adapted with respect to the historical environment."
In addition, the branch is standing in a tourist spot that is outside the Vatican. Nevertheless, this is not the first time for resistance against a McDonald’s chain has been expressed in Italy.
Currently, the fast food company is fighting against Florence. In other countries, it is unwelcome in Bolivia where the citizens there disliked buying burgers from a global corporation, writes Telegraph.
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