Investigations targeting mayors and city officials are shaking local politics nationwide, implicating figures across the political spectrum. Prosecutors are intensifying scrutiny over alleged crimes involving corruption and undisclosed interests within local administrations.
In Milan, Mayor Beppe Sala faces investigations over urban planning, accused of false statements and inducing illicit benefits. He remains in office while prosecutors seek house arrest for Urban Regeneration Councillor Giancarlo Tancredi on corruption charges. Separately, Turin prosecutors concluded an inquiry into security firm Rear, implicating eight individuals—including Democratic Party MP Mauro Laus, Sports Councillor Mimmo Carretta, and City Council President Maria Grazia Grippo—for embezzlement and financial misconduct. Turin’s Urban Planning Councillor Paolo Mazzoleni is under investigation in Milan.
Further northwest, Genoa’s Mayor Silvia Salis is embroiled in a corruption probe, with former Civil Protection Councillor Sergio Gambino (Brothers of Italy) implicated. This follows last year’s arrest of ex-Liguria Governor Giovanni Toti for corruption. In Venice, Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and 33 others face trial in the “Palude” corruption case. Former Mobility Councillor Renato Boraso is under house arrest for similar charges.
Central and southern regions face parallel scandals. Former Prato Mayor Ilaria Bugetti is investigated for alleged favors exchanged with textile entrepreneur Riccardo Matteini Bresci. In the Marche region, ex-Pesaro Mayor Matteo Ricci (Democratic Party candidate for regional presidency) received formal notice in a probe over irregular municipal contracts.
Southern investigations include the May arrest of ex-Sorrento Mayor Massimo Coppola for bribery, with further restrictions imposed in July over contract irregularities. Puglia’s former Economic Development Councillor Alessandro Delli Noci is accused of corruption and misusing public funds. Basilicata Governor Vito Bardi (Forza Italia) faces trial for allegedly inducing illicit benefits in a healthcare probe.
Sicily sees former Sports Councillor Elvira Amata investigated for corruption alongside Regional Assembly President Gaetano Galvagno, centering on cultural funding exchanged for political appointments. With investigations sweeping most regions, the judiciary now weighs cases affecting all political factions from north to south.
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