I am firmly opposed to this proposal.
'Fermamente' — fer-ma-MEN-te. Stress on the third syllable. 'Contrario' — con-TRA-rio, stress on the second.
Use in formal or semi-formal contexts when you want to state strong opposition to an idea, policy, or proposal. The formality of 'fermamente contrario' signals serious, considered objection.
'Fermamente' (firmly) intensifies 'contrario' (opposed/contrary). 'Contrario' requires gender agreement: 'contrario' (m) / 'contraria' (f). This strong formal opposition phrase is used in meetings, public debate, and written objections.
Mi oppongo a questa decisione.
I oppose this decision.
'Opporsi a' (to oppose) — active verb form, slightly more emphatic than 'essere contrario'
Questa proposta è inaccettabile per me.
This proposal is unacceptable to me.
'Inaccettabile' — very strong — suggests a principled, non-negotiable objection
Non posso approvare questa soluzione.
I cannot approve this solution.
From an authority position — implies the power to approve or block
Formal opposition in Italian public life follows specific procedures. Councillors, committee members, and employees have specific channels to register 'voto contrario' (opposing vote). Public opposition without these structures is seen as less legitimate in Italian institutional culture.