ITALIAN COURT INDICTS TOURISM MINISTER FOR COVID-ERA FRAUD
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Italy’s tourism minister was accused of fraud by prosecutors on Friday, over government redundancy money that her publishing enterprises had claimed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Daniela Santanche, the head of the far-right Brothers of Italy party led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, was promptly asked to quit by opposition lawmakers.
The 63-year-old Santanche has vehemently denied the accusations, as seen by his robust appearance in parliament last year.
“The Milan prosecutor’s office today requested the indictment of Minister Santanche and other persons as well as the companies Visibilia Editore and Visibilia Concessionaria,” the office said in a brief statement.
They were indicted “for alleged fraud of the INPS (National Institute for Social Security) in relation to alleged irregularities in the use of the Covid-19 redundancy fund, for a total of 13 employees”.
Media reports claim that Visibilia is accused of receiving state funding meant to assist businesses affected by the pandemic in temporarily terminating employees, even though the 13 workers persisted in their employment.
When Santanche joined the Meloni administration, which assumed power in October 2022, she sold her interest in Visibilia.
Despite the fact that the inquiry has been ongoing for months, opposition parties demanded that Santanche step down when the prosecution decided to file an indictment.
“We expect the prime minister to have a minimum of respect for the institutions and ask for Daniela Santanche’s resignation,” said Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party.
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