Former Pesaro Mayor Matteo Ricci has faced nearly two and a half hours of questioning by prosecutor Maria Letizia Fucci in a corruption investigation. The probe centers on contracts awarded by the municipality to two non-profit organizations, Opera Maestra and Stella Polare, between 2019 and 2024. Ricci—now a Member of the European Parliament and center-left coalition candidate for regional president—reportedly defended his innocence during the interrogation at the provincial Guardia di Finanza barracks, denying all corruption allegations.
The year-long investigation involves 24 suspects, including municipal officials. Key figures are Stefano Esposto, head of both non-profits, and Massimiliano Santini, Ricci’s former communications aide. Prosecutors allege Esposto and Santini secured financial benefits through rigged contracts while Ricci gained political influence. Both have declined to answer prosecutors’ questions. Ricci maintains he is a victim of betrayal by associates, stating any breach of trust would make him “an injured party” in the case.
The scandal has rattled the ongoing regional election campaign, with the Five Star Movement (M5S) closely monitoring developments. M5S leader Giuseppe Conte urged party members in the Marche region to assess the situation “without bloodthirstiness,” pending further interrogation outcomes.
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