Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has been rocked by a new scandal with the resignation of Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano. The 62-year-old former journalist stepped down following controversy surrounding a consultancy role awarded to his former lover, Maria Rosaria Boccia. Boccia, a self-proclaimed fashion entrepreneur, was initially appointed as an unpaid advisor for major events. Sangiuliano initially denied her appointment but later admitted he had considered it before withdrawing due to potential conflicts of interest.
In a tearful prime-time TV interview, Sangiuliano admitted to having an affair with Boccia and apologized to both his wife and Prime Minister Meloni. Despite initially rejecting his resignation offer, Meloni has accepted it, and the scandal has dominated Italian news. The affair has drawn comparisons to previous high-profile political scandals, such as the “bunga bunga” parties of former Premier Silvio Berlusconi.
Amid the unfolding scandal, Angelo Bonelli, leader of the opposition Green Europe party, has requested a police investigation into possible misuse of public funds and the disclosure of confidential information. The Italian audit court is now reviewing the case, as Boccia’s social media posts revealing her access to ministry documents and public events add to the controversy.
Prime Minister Meloni has publicly praised Sangiuliano’s contributions to Italian cultural heritage while acknowledging his resignation. She has proposed Alessandro Giuli, current President of the MAXXI Foundation, as the new Culture Minister. Meloni emphasized that the government will continue its efforts to revitalize Italian culture and maintain the promised changes from their administration. This marks the first change in Meloni’s right-wing coalition government since it began chairing the G7 forum.
