Italy's former culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, who resigned following embarrassing allegations made by his ex-girlfriend, is being investigated on suspicion of embezzlement and disclosing state secrets. Magistrates will examine allegations that Gennaro Sangiuliano used ministry funds to host his lover, Maria Rosaria Boccia, in hotels and granted her access to sensitive information regarding the G7 summit.
The investigation, shaped by Boccia's confessions, is proving to be a distraction for the government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Boccia stated that after beginning a relationship with her, Sangiuliano took her to official events but later rejected her request to be hired as an advisor.
MINISTER CONFESSED, GIRLFRIEND DENIED
62-year-old Sangiuliano tearfully confessed to their relationship on television last week but denied the allegations Boccia raised in her interviews. Boccia had claimed that the Ministry of Culture paid for her to attend events with Sangiuliano, and that he even took her to a Coldplay concert in a government car despite her not being on the ministry payroll. The court of auditors is already investigating the claims. Sangiuliano also denied the allegation that Boccia was granted access to routes to be used by visiting ministers at the G7 culture summit to be held in Pompeii at the end of this month.
'THIS SITUATION IS NOT PLEASANT FOR MELONI EITHER'
The investigation was launched following a legal complaint by opposition Green MP Angelo Bonelli, who first tried to bring the issue to the agenda in parliament. Bonelli said, “When no answer came from the government, I had to go to the magistrate. This is a very serious issue involving sensitive information. This situation has not been pleasant at all for Meloni, who chose Sangiuliano as minister.”
Sangiuliano, who said after resigning, “I will seek peace and be with my beloved wife,” was seen praying with his wife at a Franciscan shrine north of Rome where Saint Francis once prayed. He also threatened to report 41-year-old Boccia to the magistrate on charges of extortion and violation of privacy.
News Source: 12punto
