A Cagliari court on Wednesday rejected a Sardinia Governor Alessandra Todde appeal against a ruling disqualifying her from office. The January 3 ruling concerns alleged irregularities in campaign expenses during her successful bid for the presidency in February 2024.
Todde, Sardinia’s first female governor and a former MP for the 5-Star Movement, was backed by a broad centre-left coalition. She responded to the latest setback with defiance, reaffirming her intention to continue her legal battle.
“We respect the judiciary, even when we disagree,” Todde said. “We will appeal, because the alleged violations do not exist.”
Todde stressed that both the Court of Auditors and the Cagliari Public Prosecutor’s Office found no wrongdoing in their reviews.
The Court of Auditors, which monitors public spending, reportedly confirmed there was no misuse of campaign funds. The Cagliari Public Prosecutor’s Office also declined to pursue criminal proceedings after reviewing the case.
Todde framed her decision to appeal as a matter of principle and a defence of democratic legitimacy.
She said the legal process must run its full course, and insisted the accusations have no basis in fact.
The ruling casts uncertainty over Sardinia’s regional leadership, though Todde remains in office pending further appeal.
Legal experts expect the case to go before Italy’s Council of State, the country’s highest administrative court.
Todde’s election in 2024 was seen as a symbolic and political breakthrough for the centre-left and women in Italian politics.
