Italy’s Former Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano Launches Election Slogan Inspired by Trump
Italy’s former culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, has unveiled a new election slogan, “Make Naples Great Again,” as he seeks election as a regional councillor in the upcoming elections in the southern Italian region of Campania. The slogan is a nod to the “Make America Great Again” phrase used by former US President Donald Trump. Sangiuliano, who is running as the top candidate for Premier Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing Fratelli d’Italia party, has been seen wearing a red cap with the slogan at election campaign events.
Sangiuliano’s Election Bid and Scandal
Sangiuliano, 63, resigned as culture minister last year following a high-profile scandal involving his relationship with his former advisor, Maria Rosaria Boccia. He has since resumed work as a journalist with state broadcaster RAI, operating as Paris correspondent since April this year. Sangiuliano’s election slogan has sparked interest, with some drawing parallels with Trump’s successful campaign phrase. In an interview with Il Fatto Quotidiano newspaper, Sangiuliano described his slogan as “a Neapolitan reinterpretation” of the one used by Trump, adding that the first to coin the phrase “Make America Great Again” was actually former US President Ronald Reagan.
Sangiuliano’s launch of the election slogan coincides with the news that his former mistress, Maria Rosaria Boccia, has withdrawn from the Campania election. Boccia, who was running as a candidate for the small, right-wing Alternativa Popolare party, announced that she was pulling out of the race after receiving her second notice of investigation in just over a year. Boccia is under investigation for suspected breach of privacy and is also facing a separate hearing for stalking, assault, and unlawful interference, among other crimes, following a complaint filed by Sangiuliano.
Investigations and Election Schedule
The Campania regional elections are scheduled to take place on 23-24 November 2025. Sangiuliano’s election bid has been marked by controversy, with some questioning his decision to run for office amid ongoing investigations. When asked about facing Boccia during the election race, Sangiuliano replied that he has “great faith in the Italian judiciary” and will wait for justice to take its course. For more information on the Campania regional elections and Sangiuliano’s election bid, visit Here