The phone call from the Minister to Mayor Antonio Decaro came on Tuesday evening, but the idea of a commission had been in the air for some time. In late February, after the arrest of 130 people in an investigation that revealed alleged mafia-political ties and vote exchange in the 2019 Municipal elections, Maurizio Gasparri was the first to suggest the possibility of dissolution due to mafia infiltration of the Municipality of Bari. The same mayor had previously criticized Gasparri for this suggestion. The minister’s action, described as a “time bomb” by the mayor, was requested by a group of center-right parliamentarians, including two Deputy Ministers of the Government, despite the statements of the Anti-Mafia district prosecutor praising the city’s response to organized crime. The move was seen as an attempt to disrupt the democratic process in Bari, especially with elections approaching.
After hours of intense controversy, the Ministry of the Interior issued a statement on Wednesday night in an attempt to calm things down. The inspection of the Municipality of Bari is said to be a necessary action and the dissolution has not yet been decided. The inspection was initiated following arrests in the city and the appointment of a judicial administrator for a city-owned company. The Ministry emphasized that the inspection is not automatically leading to dissolution, but rather a thorough review of administrative activities to protect local administrators. The Minister of the Interior, Matteo Piantedosi, stated that the government is committed to fighting mafia and not targeting local administrators, mentioning that they have dissolved 15 municipalities since taking office, mostly from the center-right.
Mayor Decaro, who reportedly met with Minister Piantedosi last week to discuss the issue, offered full cooperation to the appointed commissioners. Their report, which may include the recommendation of dissolution, is expected to be delivered ten days after the first round of elections, coinciding with the campaign for a possible runoff. The process for the dissolution of the Municipality of Bari due to mafia infiltration involves the prefect evaluating the possibility independently from judicial authorities. The prefect can start the dissolution procedure after consulting the Provincial Committee for public order and security, including the prosecutor whose opinion is crucial on this matter.
The situation in Bari has raised concerns about the potential dissolution of the Municipality, as it would be a rare and significant event in Italy’s history. The mayor sees the move as an attempt to interfere with the democratic process and influence the upcoming elections. Despite assurances from the Ministry of the Interior that the inspection is just a routine procedure, the uncertainty surrounding the future of Bari’s administration has sparked controversy and speculation. As the investigation continues and the political landscape heats up, the fate of the Municipality and its leadership hangs in the balance, with implications for the city’s governance and the broader fight against organized crime.
