The 20-day period foreseen for the effectiveness of the resignation presented by the now former mayor of Avellino, Gianluca Festa, ended yesterday, Monday 15 April 2024, at 11.59pm. The resignation was presented on March 26, 2024 at the Town Hall. According to article 53 of legislative decree no. 267 of 18 August 2000, paragraph 3, the mayor’s resignation becomes definitive and irrevocable 20 days after its presentation to the City Council. Subsequently, the council is dissolved and a Commissioner is appointed. Therefore, starting today, Tuesday 16 April, Gianluca Festa no longer officially holds the position of mayor of Avellino, voluntarily ending his mandate almost two months before the elections. Festa’s possible candidacy in the next local elections on 8 and 9 June is still the subject of speculation. He could present himself as the head of the list “Really”pass the baton to his deputy Laura Nargior decide not to participate in the electoral process.
The investigation by the Avellino Prosecutor’s Office, the maintenance of public presence
Before the recent vicissitudes that led to his resignation following the well-known investigation conducted by the Avellino Prosecutor’s Office, Festa had publicly expressed his desire to run again, maintaining an active profile on social media. However, he later took a more reserved approach. Festa communicated his resignation as a considered decision, taken in agreement with his lawyer, Luigi Petrillo, with the aim of restoring tranquility in the city and separating the judicial issue from the administrative management. In the days following his resignation, Festa maintained a public presence by participating in traditional events such as the Good Friday Procession and wishing the inhabitants of Avellino a Happy Easter through social media. He also expressed his joy for the victories of Avellino Calcio (which happened regularly also yesterday evening, after the victory of the green and whites in the derby with Benevento Editor’s note).
What will be the future of the former mayor?
His potential candidacy in the European elections with Forza Italia, along with the political break with Angelo D’Agostino – now – he has added further elements of uncertainty regarding his future participation in the electoral process of the capital. The centre-left, with the candidacy of Antonio Gengaro as mayor, he is already in the middle of the election campaign. All that remains is to wait for Gianluca Festa’s next move which, in view of the presentation of the lists – we are certain – will not be long in coming. In the meantime, however, the people of Avellino are awaiting the appointment of the new prefectural commissioner.
