Italy’s culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, has resigned amid controversy following the appointment of his former mistress, Maria Rosaria Boccia, as a top advisor. The situation escalated after Boccia announced her role on LinkedIn, leading to widespread media scrutiny.
In a heartfelt interview, Sangiuliano confirmed his past relationship with Boccia and admitted to hiring her as an unpaid consultant. He submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni while maintaining that he did not breach any ministerial regulations.
During the interview, Sangiuliano publicly apologized to his wife and acknowledged that the affair had ended over the summer. He described their initial meeting in Naples as the start of a “sentimental relationship.”
Controversially, Boccia documented her interactions with Sangiuliano through photographs and recordings, raising questions about her influence during their time together. Some images surfaced showing her accompanying him on official trips, prompting inquiries into whether state funds were misused for her travel.
Sangiuliano has refuted claims of financial misconduct, asserting that he covered all her expenses, providing documents to support this claim. However, critics remain concerned about Boccia’s access to sensitive information during her time with the minister.
Boccia has since voiced numerous accusations against Sangiuliano, earning her the media nickname “the machine gunner” for her barrage of statements.
In a public tribute, Prime Minister Meloni thanked Sangiuliano for his contributions to Italy’s cultural sector, despite the scandal marking a significant setback for her administration, which has faced various controversies. Several other ministers in her cabinet have been embroiled in scandals from false accounting to questionable use of state resources.
Exasperated by the continuous controversies, Meloni called for her cabinet to exercise greater discretion in their public engagements. She emphasized the historical significance of their roles, underscoring the need for vigilance and accountability within her government.
Despite these challenges, recent opinion polls indicate that her administration continues to hold a stable approval rating, amidst a fragmented opposition landscape in Italy.
