Italian Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano has resigned amid a growing scandal involving his relationship with Maria Rosaria Boccia, an influencer who claims to have served as his advisor. In a letter to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Sangiuliano announced his ‘irrevocable’ decision to step down, citing the need to protect his personal life and pursue legal action against those who have damaged his reputation.The resignation comes after days of intense controversy, including allegations of misuse of public funds and potential blackmail. Boccia claimed that Sangiuliano appointed her as a consultant for the G7 Culture Ministers’ Summit in Pompeii, giving her access to confidential documents. She also accused the minister of being ‘under pressure from people who have received favors’.Sangiuliano has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating that ‘no public funds were spent, and not a single euro from the ministry was used for the travel and transfers of Mrs. Maria Rosaria Boccia’. He has announced his intention to file a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office and investigate whether there were any ulterior motives behind the accusations.The scandal has had significant political repercussions. President Sergio Mattarella has accepted Sangiuliano’s resignation, and Prime Minister Meloni has proposed Alessandro Giuli, a journalist and TV personality, as his replacement. This marks the third ministerial resignation in Meloni’s government, following those of Augusta Montaruli and Vittorio Sgarbi.As the controversy unfolds, questions are being raised about the potential impact on the Italian government and the upcoming G7 summit. The situation has also sparked a national debate about the use of power and the behavior of government officials.
Key points
- Italian Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano has resigned due to a scandal involving his relationship with influencer Maria Rosaria Boccia.
- Allegations include misuse of public funds and potential blackmail, which Sangiuliano vehemently denies.
- President Sergio Mattarella has accepted the resignation, and Alessandro Giuli has been proposed as the new Minister of Culture.
Contradictions👾While Sangiuliano denies any misuse of public funds, Maria Rosaria Boccia claims she was appointed as a consultant for the G7 Culture Ministers’ Summit, implying the use of official resources.
