An investigation into alleged irregularities in public contracts awarded by Pesaro city council during the tenure of former mayor Matteo Ricci, now a Democratic Party MEP and centre-left coalition candidate for Marche regional president, has disrupted the newly opened regional election campaign. Ricci himself announced via social media that he received formal notice from Pesaro prosecutors concerning the probe.
The case focuses on over €500,000 in municipal funds allocated during his mayoralty, notably to two cultural associations for projects including a mural honouring Holocaust survivor Liliana Segre and a giant helmet installation celebrating MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi. Prosecutors allege these were direct awards bypassing competitive tender, from which Ricci allegedly derived non-financial benefits in the form of “political consensus” for a dynamic administration.
Ricci denies wrongdoing, expressing confidence in the judiciary. However, the development startled allies, landing just 24 hours after the election date was set for September 28-29. PD leader Elly Schlein declined comment, while Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte urged Ricci to “clarify matters swiftly with judicial authorities to dispel doubts and campaign serenely.” Conte reserved the right to “thoroughly evaluate the allegations,” warning “dishonest conduct would be incompatible” with his party’s values.
Ricci stated he is “serene on the substance” but “bitter and angry” about the timing, insisting: “I’m convinced the accusations will collapse immediately because we are factually uninvolved. When a mayor governs, they have many collaborators; if a collaborator errs, the mayor is the victim of betrayed trust.”
The centre-right Brothers of Italy party, of outgoing Governor Francesco Acquaroli, launched attacks. FdI deputy Antonio Baldelli cited judicial presumption of innocence but listed Ricci’s “unavoidable political responsibilities” in what he termed “Affidopoli” (Contract-gate). PSI secretary Enzo Maraio countered: “Politics shouldn’t let the judiciary set its agenda. It must be more autonomous, courageous, and ready – especially the left – for serious self-criticism on thirty years of errors.”
Ricci noted the notice arrived the day after election dates were formalised, calling it “surprising.” He stressed in his video: “In 15 years of administration, I never personally handled public contracts or works, always trusting my officials blindly as in this case.” He disputed knowing the associations involved and the prosecution’s claim of political gain.
The investigation, already involving several suspects beyond Ricci, centres on contracts and grants awarded without public tender to associations Opera Maestra and Stella Polare. State Police and Finance Guard investigators, coordinated by prosecutors, are examining documents, resolutions, and committee records to verify relationships between council offices and various associations.
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