The latest
scandal in Italy brings us to Rome, and involves the whole region Lazio. Main
characters of the scandal: Governor Renata Polverini and former regional
councillor Franco Fiorito, both from “People of Freedom” (Berlusconi’s party).
Picture: Franco Fiorito and Renata Polverini
Franco
Fiorito is under investigation for inappropriate use and embezzlement of
electoral funds. As party councillor, he had easy access to party accounts, and
he abused his power. The money, according to Fiorito himself, was used to pay
for cars, parties and various expenses refunds (included gasoil and cash
withdrawals) for several party members. Although admitting using money to pay various
colleagues, Fiorito denies having taken any himself. From 2010 up until now,
the Lazio region spent almost 6 million euro (all coming from the taxpayers,
worth noticing).
The role
played by Governor Renata Polverini is still unclear. She claims she had no
idea how the party money was spent, but that’s really hard to believe. She apologised,
and she announced a spending review and a cuts plan (which were approved today)
to redeem the image of the administration.
Yet, she
hasn’t resigned; she actually stated that she wants to go on. Berlusconi backed
her decision not to resign.
The case is
quite similar to a corruption case in Lombardia, involving again the region Governor
Roberto Formigoni. He is under investigation for basically the same charges, and
he hasn’t resigned yet. Probably he never will.
That’s an
Italian classic: it doesn’t matter what you have done or what you are accused
of, you just won’t resign.
It’s
hilarious to see that, here in the UK, they want Minister Andrew Mitchell to
resign only because of his outburst at a police officer.
In Italy
there was a moment of panic when it seemed that Renata Polverini was actually
going to resign. It would create an extremely dangerous precedent.
To quote
Hacker, from my beloved sit-com “Yes Minister”: “If we do the right thing this time, we might
have to do the right thing again next time”.
God forbid
that happens in Italy.
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