Former Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano to Run in Campania Regional Elections
Italy’s former culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, has confirmed his intention to run as a councillor in the upcoming regional elections in Campania, scheduled to take place on November 23-24. This move comes after his resignation as minister last year following a high-profile scandal involving his relationship with his former advisor, Maria Rosaria Boccia.
Sangiuliano, a 63-year-old Neapolitan, will be standing for the right-wing Fratelli d’Italia party, led by Premier Giorgia Meloni. In a surprising turn of events, his former advisor and mistress, Maria Rosaria Boccia, will also be running in the same elections on an electoral list led by Terni mayor Stefano Bandecchi. After resigning as minister, Sangiuliano returned to work as a journalist with state broadcaster RAI, serving as the Paris correspondent since April this year.
Scandal and Investigation
The controversy surrounding Sangiuliano and Boccia began when it was revealed that Boccia had frequently travelled with Sangiuliano during his tenure as minister and had access to internal documents within the ministry. This led to an investigation against Sangiuliano for embezzlement and disclosure of official secrets, which was later dismissed. However, the Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office has requested a trial for Boccia, who could face charges including aggravated stalking, personal injury, defamation, and using false information in her CV.
According to prosecutors, Boccia engaged in “repetitive, obsessive and constantly controlling” behavior towards Sangiuliano, both in his private life and in the workplace. Last month, the Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office requested a trial for Boccia following a year-long investigation after a complaint filed by Sangiuliano. The election is expected to be highly contested, with Sangiuliano seeking to resume a conversation with his fellow citizens in Campania.
Election and Future
When asked about his decision to run in the elections, Sangiuliano stated that he wants to “resume a conversation with my fellow citizens” and emphasized his connection to the region, having been born and educated in Naples. Regarding his opponent, Boccia, Sangiuliano remained tight-lipped, saying only that he has “great faith in the Italian judiciary” and that justice will take its course. As the regional elections in Campania approach, it will be interesting to see how the relationship between Sangiuliano and Boccia affects the outcome.
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