Italy’s cultural scene has been rocked by a controversy involving Gennaro Sangiuliano, the country’s Culture Minister, and Maria Rosaria Boccia, an influencer and fashion entrepreneur. The drama began when Boccia posted a message on Instagram thanking Sangiuliano for appointing her as an advisor. The Ministry swiftly denied this appointment, leading to a heated exchange of accusations.
Boccia, who frequently accompanied Sangiuliano to events, disputed the Minister’s claim that he never paid her any money for her supposed role as an advisor. She asserted that the ministry always reimbursed expenses incurred by advisors, and that all travel arrangements were coordinated by the Minister’s chief of staff.
The situation further escalated as Boccia challenged Sangiuliano’s assertions regarding her involvement in the G7 culture summit. She contradicted his statements that she never participated in meetings or accessed classified information about the event. The accusations flew thick and fast, with Boccia presenting evidence to support her claims.
Amidst mounting pressure, Sangiuliano was summoned by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He survived the meeting, stating that he had “reiterated the truth” of his previous statements. He maintained his innocence, asserting that he had not committed any wrongdoing.
Sangiuliano, however, faced a deluge of questions regarding the expenses associated with Boccia’s travels. He adamantly claimed that no funds from the Ministry, not even “a coffee,” were spent on her trips. He claimed to have personally paid for all expenses with his credit card and presented receipts as proof. He also clarified that Boccia only utilized the ministerial car in his presence and never traveled alone.
The Minister’s statements only fueled the controversy. La Stampa, a prominent Italian newspaper, pointed out that his explanations seemed to imply a personal relationship between himself and Boccia, a notion he did not deny.
Boccia, in a stunning move, added more fuel to the fire by publishing email correspondence and an audio recording that seemingly contradicted Sangiuliano’s claims. The email, titled “Sangiuliano/Boccia flights”, showed airline boarding passes sent from the Minister’s secretary, while the audio recording featured a conversation between Boccia and a Ministry official regarding her appointment as an advisor.
The scandal has attracted widespread attention, with the opposition calling for Sangiuliano to explain himself before Parliament. The populist Movimento 5 Stelle (M5s) deemed the situation a “second-rate soap opera” and questioned the government’s focus.
The Italian public is now awaiting Sangiuliano’s response to the escalating controversy, eager to understand the truth behind the minister’s relationship with the influencer and the extent of his involvement in this scandal. The saga continues, with the future of Sangiuliano’s political career hanging in the balance.
