A scandal is brewing in the Italian political scene, with Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano facing intense scrutiny over his relationship with fashion influencer and entrepreneur Maria Rosaria Boccia.
This drama unfolded when Boccia, who had been photographed accompanying the minister to various events across Italy, claimed that she was appointed as an advisor for major events at the Ministry of Culture, a claim that was later denied by the ministry. The controversy deepened when Boccia stated that she had never paid for anything during these trips, saying, “I was always told the ministry paid back advisors’ expenses.” She added that “all trips were always organized by the minister’s chief of cabinet.”
The controversy further intensified when Boccia refuted Sangiuliano’s claim that she had not participated in operational meetings for the upcoming G7 culture summit in Pompeii. She challenged the minister’s assertion that she was not included in email exchanges containing classified information about the G7 event, despite allegedly lacking security clearance.
A Battle of Words and Receipts
This heated exchange has resulted in a public tug-of-war between the minister and the influencer, each presenting their side of the story. Sangiuliano, in a bid to clear his name, reiterated his claim that his ministry did not spend a single euro on Boccia’s travel or accommodation. He further emphasized that he paid for all their joint trips using his personal credit card, even providing receipts and bank statements to support his claim.
To substantiate her claims, Boccia took to social media, adding fuel to the fire by publishing a screenshot of an email titled “Sangiuliano/Boccia flights,” sent from the minister’s secretary, including airline boarding passes. This was followed by an even more explosive revelation: an audio recording of her phone call with a culture ministry official regarding the decree formalizing her appointment as advisor to the minister. In the audio, Boccia can be heard saying, “The decree has arrived, the minister has signed it,” to which the ministry official responds, “Yes, yes, yes, we saw it.”
This evidence seemingly contradicts the ministry’s previous denial of Boccia’s advisor role, leaving Sangiuliano in a precarious position.
Politicians React: Calls for Resignation and a Soap Opera?
The opposition, fueled by the growing controversy, has called for Sangiuliano’s resignation. The populist Movimento 5 Stelle (M5s) group, in particular, has described the situation as a “second-rate soap opera.” The M5S leaders in the culture commissions of the chamber and senate, Antonio Caso and Luca Pirondini, questioned the validity of holding the culture ministry and the government hostage to a private citizen’s social media posts, particularly when there are pressing issues demanding attention.
The scandal has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the minister’s political future, with many expecting him to step down. However, Sangiuliano has so far held on to his position, reiterating his innocence and vowing to remain in his role. The outcome of this controversy and the impact on Sangiuliano’s political career remain to be seen, but the drama is far from over.
