Yesterday was an intense day in Bari, following the 135 arrests made, including those for mafia-related political vote swapping in the 2019 local elections. Mayor Antonio Decaro found his face in the press linked to the term mafia after taking a selfie with the sister and niece of imprisoned mob boss Tonino Capriati. Decaro clarified that the women had no ties to the criminal activities of their family and simply asked for a photo during a patron saint festival. While controversy brewed over the decision to potentially place Bari under government control, a commission arrived from the Interior Ministry to assess the situation, with support from Decaro.
The Minister of the Interior’s decision to potentially place Bari under government control prompted backlash, with opposition accusing the government of politicizing the situation. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended the decision, denouncing accusations of political manipulation and asserting that the intervention was not aimed at dissolution. The President of Puglia, Michele Emiliano, reiterated his comments about Decaro’s past association with the Capriati family, mentioning that it is possible Decaro genuinely does not remember the events in question. Former Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte criticized Emiliano’s lighthearted tone regarding the situation, emphasizing the importance of legality and transparency.
Commissione Antimafia President Chiara Colosimo criticized Emiliano’s remarks about Decaro, stressing the need to denounce threats and uphold political maturity. Meanwhile, the Right-Wing party raised concerns about Decaro’s alleged lack of knowledge regarding issues at a local transportation company and questioned his past actions as president of Anci. Decaro responded that any potentially illegal activities were reported appropriately and pointed out that Emiliano had previously alerted authorities about questionable hiring practices within organized crime families.
As the commission began its work in Bari, the political landscape remained tense, with ongoing debates about government intervention and allegations of corruption. The Mayor, facing scrutiny for his actions and knowledge of local issues, maintained that transparency and accountability were paramount. Despite challenges and controversies, efforts to address criminal influences in local government continued, with a focus on upholding the rule of law and combatting corruption. The city of Bari remained at the center of these discussions, navigating through a complex web of political intrigue and criminal activities.
