The investigation into stolen data in Milan has sparked outrage in the political sphere, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni even going as far as to use the word “subversion.” She warns of potential extortion and blackmail, with the possibility of a more serious crime of subversion. The Premier also references the investigation in Bari into access to bank accounts of well-known individuals and the case of her sister’s spied-on account. She believes her sister is being targeted because she does not have the same protections as she does, and warns that attacking her sister is akin to attacking her. Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto notes that since he raised concerns about the misuse of state powers for illicit and illegal purposes, a Pandora’s Box has been opened, with many now beginning to understand and admit to the issue.
Within the majority coalition, there is a call for a crackdown on spies. Matteo Salvini’s party has announced a proposal in Parliament to punish those who violate privacy for purposes of blackmail and manipulation even more severely. Vice Premier and Secretary of Forza Italia, Antonio Tajani, describes the dossier story as unacceptable and a threat to democracy. He also raises concerns that the data may be used by countries like Russia, which are not necessarily friendly to Italy. The Democratic Party, through security chief Matteo Mauri, accuses the government of inaction, despite being in power for two years and supposedly focusing on cybersecurity. Mauri claims that it is the right-wing spying on the right-wing, and that the leaky system needs to be changed. This accusation is supported by the Five Star Movement, which highlights gaps in the cybersecurity law.
Enrico Pazzali, who is implicated in the investigation and known to be affiliated with the Milanese right, has drawn attention to the issue. Although former Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa denies any connection between Pazzali’s current roles and Fratelli d’Italia, he expresses surprise rather than alarm at the reports of dossiering against Pazzali. Senate President, who has known Pazzali for a long time, expresses solidarity with him, as does Chamber of Deputies President Lorenzo Fontana, who views the situation as potentially threatening to democracy. Pazzali, who leads the Milan Trade Fair, has been linked to right-wing circles, causing further controversy and speculation.
As the investigations into stolen data continue, the full extent of the scandal remains unclear, with prosecutors acknowledging that the inquiries have just begun. Politicians across the spectrum are decrying the practice of dossiering and expressing concerns about potential threats to democracy. The crackdown on spies and a push for stricter penalties for privacy violations are being proposed. The mishandling of state powers for illicit purposes is under scrutiny, and the call for changes to the cybersecurity laws is gaining traction. Amidst the growing concerns, support for those affected by the scandal is being expressed, with solidarity being shown towards individuals like Enrico Pazzali. The fallout from the dossiering scandal is likely to persist as investigations progress and the political implications become clearer.
