by Italy’s Tourism Minister Faces Fraud Charges Amidst Allegations of Misusing Pandemic Relief Funds
Prosecutors on Friday brought forth charges of fraud against Italy’s Tourism Minister, Daniela Santanche, in connection with the alleged misuse of government redundancy funds by her publishing companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The indictment has sparked immediate calls for her resignation from opposition lawmakers, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party.
Daniela Santanche, a prominent figure within the party, vehemently refuted the accusations during a defiant appearance in parliament last year. However, the Milan prosecutor’s office, in a brief statement, announced their request for Santanche’s indictment along with other individuals and her companies, Visibilia Editore and Visibilia Concessionaria.
The charges stem from alleged irregularities in the use of COVID-19 redundancy funds provided by the National Institute for Social Security (INPS), involving a total of 13 employees. Reports suggest that Visibilia purportedly obtained state funds intended to support pandemic-hit companies in temporarily laying off staff, despite these employees allegedly continuing to work.
Santanche divested her stake in Visibilia upon assuming her ministerial role in the government led by Prime Minister Meloni, inaugurated in October 2022. While the investigation has been ongoing for months, the decision by prosecutors to indict has reignited demands for Santanche’s resignation from opposition parties.
Elly Schlein, leader of the center-left Democratic Party, emphasized the expectation for the prime minister to uphold institutional integrity by urging Santanche’s resignation in light of the allegations. The situation underscores the ongoing scrutiny surrounding the allocation and utilization of government relief funds during the pandemic, casting a shadow over Italy’s political landscape.
