Raffaele Gallo, the son of Salvatore Gallo, leader of the Democratic Party in Piedmont and former candidate in the upcoming elections, has withdrawn his candidacy. This decision came after newspapers published excerpts from wiretaps from the Echidna investigation, revealing the ‘ndrangheta’s interests in the Torino-Bardonecchia highway where Salvatore Gallo is under investigation for extortion, embezzlement, and electoral law violations. The wiretaps captured Raffaele’s excitement over a woman being appointed to the board of the Torino Film Commission Foundation, who allegedly is related to a prominent local industrialist and part of a network of favors and influence linked to the Gallo family.
The Prefecture of Turin may send a report on the Echidna case to the Ministry of the Interior in the coming days, and there have been discussions between the Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi and the Mayor of Turin Stefano Lo Russo. Reports also mention the distribution of free passes for the highway, which were given out to doctors, white-collar workers, journalists, and politicians at Salvatore Gallo’s request to gain favor with voters. The regional secretary of the PD, Domenico Rossi, has called for an evaluation of Salvatore Gallo’s actions, suggesting a reassessment of the party’s candidate list for Turin.
Raffaele Gallo issued a statement emphasizing his innocence in any activities related to the ‘ndrangheta and expressing confidence that his father will be able to clarify the allegations against him swiftly. He announced his decision to withdraw his candidacy for the June elections, citing the need to protect his family, uphold the integrity of the Democratic Party, and prioritize his role as a father and husband over his political ambitions. Gallo also resigned as President of the Council Group at Palazzo Lascaris, leaving the position to the party secretary and group to appoint a new leader in the final weeks of the legislative term.
This move by Raffaele Gallo comes amidst growing scrutiny over his family’s alleged ties to criminal activities and concerns within the Democratic Party about the impact of these accusations on their electoral prospects. The decision to withdraw his candidacy reflects a desire to distance himself from any controversy and to uphold ethical standards within the party. As the situation continues to unfold, the Party will need to navigate these challenges and address any remaining issues to maintain its credibility and integrity ahead of the upcoming elections.
In conclusion, the withdrawal of Raffaele Gallo’s candidacy marks a significant development in the aftermath of the Echidna investigation and the allegations surrounding his family’s connections to criminal elements. The decision reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability, and personal integrity, as well as a recognition of the need to prioritize family and ethical considerations over political ambitions. Moving forward, the Democratic Party will need to address the fallout from this situation, reassess its candidate list, and ensure that it upholds the highest ethical standards to maintain the trust of voters and the integrity of the electoral process.
