Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has confirmed he will remain in office despite being investigated in urban planning probes. Following days of reflection described as “dark” with “suffering and doubts,” Sala has recommitted to governing Italy’s financial capital, backed by the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), his primary political ally.
In contrast, Urban Regeneration Councillor Giancarlo Tancredi resigned as anticipated after prosecutors requested house arrest for him. Tancredi faces a preliminary hearing before a judge on Wednesday.
Addressing the City Council, Sala passionately defended his integrity: “In all my work as mayor, not one action served personal gain. My hands are clean.” While refraining from criticizing prosecutors, he systematically rejected each allegation, stressing he learned of the investigation “from newspapers.”
Protests erupted outside City Hall during the session, with groups including “Change Course,” “Power to the People,” and Communist Refoundation demanding the council’s resignation, leading to clashes with police. Tensions flared inside when Sala confronted Fratelli d’Italia councillor Enrico Marcora, who previously posted an image of Sala in prisoner garb with a ball-and-chain. “I reported your conduct to your party leaders,” Sala stated. Marcora retorted: “You are a small mayor.”
Sala outlined his priorities: urban planning, public housing, transport, green spaces, and the San Siro stadium sale to Inter and AC Milan—now delayed until September but bound by a November 10 demolition deadline. “If my majority courageously stands with me, I am here with all my passion for this city,” he declared. The PD endorsed “a new phase, not stagnation.”
Tancredi resigned tearfully, calling it a “painful” decision meant to “restore calm” but criticizing the PD for demanding his exit “without understanding the facts.” He becomes the second council member to resign over urban planning probes in months, following Housing Councillor Guido Bardelli.
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