The Italian Democratic Party (PD) has stirred controversy with a social media video showcasing Olympic curling medalists, Constantini and Mosaner, promoting a 'no' vote in an upcoming referendum concerning justice reform. President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (Coni), Luciano Buonfiglio, publicly expressed his astonishment over the use of athletes in a political context, emphasizing that they are currently competing and questioning if they were aware of their involvement in the campaign. This incident raises concerns about the ethical implications of leveraging athletes' images for political agendas.

In the video, which features the athletes in action, a message urging viewers to vote against the referendum is superimposed on the curling stone. This bold tactic by the PD exemplifies their ongoing strategy to engage the public in political discourse outside conventional political spaces, which has drawn criticism from multiple quarters. This has escalated into a broader debate on how athletes, often viewed as neutral figures, can or should be employed in political campaigns.

The situation highlights a complex intersection of sport and politics in Italy, where public figures are increasingly becoming entangled in contentious political issues. The backlash from Coni's leadership points to a desire to maintain a separation between athletics and politics, suggesting that the use of athletes' images for such purposes could undermine the integrity of sporting events and the athletes themselves. As the referendum approaches, this controversy may impact how political messages are communicated and the role that public figures play in them.