In an interview with La Stampa, Maria Rosaria Boccia has levelled serious accusations against Italian Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano, alleging impropriety and potential misuse of public funds. The controversy has also drawn in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whom Boccia accuses of “sexist behaviour”.
Boccia, who claims to have had a close relationship with Sangiuliano, stated, “Why did I record everything from a certain point on? Because the minister said something to me that really struck me: ‘I am the minister, I am a man, I represent the institution and in the future no one will believe anything you say'”. She says this conversation occurred at the end of July.
In a startling allegation, Boccia claimed, “Who are the real blackmailers in the halls of power? I have listened to conversations and read messages from people who in my opinion have blackmailed the minister”. She suggested that these blackmailers include “directors of weeklies”.
Personal Trips and Public Funds
Boccia alleges that she and Sangiuliano made personal trips using ministry resources. “We also made personal trips. We went to the Coldplay concert, to the Il Volo concert. From Rome we drove to Pompeii. We went to my personal and private events, where he wanted to be present”, she stated. She claims to have evidence of these trips, including “photos, videos and chats with people who were waiting for us”.
Minister’s Response
Sangiuliano has attempted to defend himself, giving a 20-minute interview on Tg1 which drew over 3.2 million viewers. However, this interview has itself become a source of controversy, with Barbara Floridia, president of the Supervisory Commission, announcing an urgent meeting to address complaints about the “abnormal space” granted to the minister.
The Ministry of Culture has released a statement saying, “Tomorrow, the Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano will have a meeting with his lawyers to evaluate the filing of a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office”.
Political Implications
The scandal has created tension within the Italian government. Prime Minister Meloni has yet to make a definitive statement on the matter, with reports suggesting she is still taking time to assess the situation. However, Sangiuliano stated he offered his resignation to the PM, but she turned it down.
Meanwhile, Boccia has criticised Meloni, stating, “Whoever refers to the values of being a woman has the right and duty to defend their dignity as the other person [Meloni] did when she ended a deep relationship through a post on social media, after her partner [Giambruno] had violated a feeling of love. I ask myself why I am treated with arrogance, pointed out without my name and surname”.
