Maria Rosaria Boccia waited 12 hours before responding to Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano’s account to the Tg1 director Chiocci. In a tearful TV broadcast, the Minister apologized to his wife and Giorgia Meloni, but it was with today’s publication that Boccia pointed the finger at “other people,” “the powerful.” She wrote on Instagram that she is accused of being a blackmailer, but it is actually the people in power who are exercising blackmail. She questioned who was really creating gossip: herself, the Minister, or someone else, exploiting a strategic moment for the country.
The reference to blackmail echoes a post made by Boccia the evening before during the Culture Minister’s speech. Sangiuliano emphasized to the Tg1 director that he is “absolutely not blackmailable,” explaining that one is only blackmailable if they have used public money. He showed train tickets and airplane tickets to Milan and Taormina that were paid for by himself with his personal credit card. Sangiuliano publicly apologized to his wife for his infidelity, Giorgia Meloni for the embarrassment caused to her, and the Government for his morally disrespectful behavior, as well as his colleagues for the way he handled the situation with superficiality.
Sangiuliano defended himself on live TV, stating that he is “not blackmailable” because no public money was spent for Boccia’s travels or work, with whom he had an emotional relationship for three months. When asked about Boccia’s behavior, the Minister suggested two possible reasons: disappointment over a missed appointment that was promised, or feeling betrayed by a woman who felt abandoned. Despite this, he stated that he would never leave his wife, who is the most important thing to him.
Opposition parties strongly criticized the Tg1 interview, questioning the use of public funds for giving the Minister airtime in prime time. The Democratic Party accused the State television of serving the Minister rather than the public, while the Five Star Movement announced plans to bring the issue to the attention of the Commission. Matteo Renzi of Italia Viva criticized the decision to address the issue on Tg1 instead of in Parliament, and other parties voiced their concerns over the situation, calling for accountability from the media company.
The Minister met with Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi to reaffirm the truth of his statements in a letter sent to La Stampa, emphasizing that no funds from the Ministry were used for the travels and stays of Maria Rosaria Boccia. The meeting lasted over an hour and a half and concluded with a statement issued by the Culture Minister. Amidst the ongoing controversy and accusations, the political landscape in Italy continues to be heated with calls for transparency and accountability in the handling of public affairs.
