The investigations that have overwhelmed the Liguria region continue, together corruption scandal that led President Giovanni Toti to house arrest and which involved key figures such as the Commissioner of the Port of Genoa, Paolo Piacenza. The situation worsens with the growing number of suspects and the significant sums of money seized.
The preliminary hearing for Giovanni Toti is scheduled for next Friday 10 May. Meanwhile, the investigation widens, involving over 30 people including Aldo Spinelli, well-known entrepreneur and former president of Genoa, and Matteo Cozzani, Toti’s chief of staff.
Cash found in Spinelli’s house
The Guardia di Finanza found approximately 220,000 euros in cash and foreign currency in Spinelli’s residence, part of a total amount of 570,000 euros seized on the orders of the judge for preliminary investigations, Paola Faggioni. Specifically, it was 215,000 euros, 20,000 dollars and 5,000 pounds. These sums may have been used to influence decisions regarding the management of public spaces and port concessions, according to investigators.
A telephone conversation between Giovanni Toti and Spinelli fueled further suspicions. The two appear to be discussing sums of money associated with a boat, with Toti exclaiming: “Let’s celebrate.” These conversations are now at the center of the prosecutor’s investigation, which seeks to determine the exact nature of the transactions discussed.
The specific charges concern the tampering of two proceedings. One aimed to transform a public beach in Celle Ligure into a luxury resort, increasing its value for Spinelli’s company.
The other concession, concerning the bulk terminal at the port of Genoa for a period of thirty years, is suspected of acting as a pretext for future commercial ambitions that have not yet been clarified. Although officially the concession is intended for the handling of bulk materials, there are indications that it could be used for more profitable commercial developments, such as transformation into a container terminal, once the construction of the breakwater is completed.
The Commissioner of the Port Authority of Genoa Paolo Piacenza is also under investigation
Another central figure is Paolo Piacenza, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Port System Authority of the Western Ligurian Seanow under investigation for abuse of office. His home was searched.
The other suspects at the center of the investigation
Paolo Emilio Signoriniformer president of the Port Authority and currently in prison, is one of the other main suspects, with a particularly complicated situation due to the numerous personal advantages he allegedly received from Spinelli.
Matteo CozzaniToti’s chief of staff, will face today May 9th an interrogation for his alleged mafia connections and other corruption charges. He will have to give explanations regarding the intercepted statements and its implications in various investigations.
Toti’s lawyer: there were misunderstandings
Toti’s lawyer, Stefano Savi, stated that, despite appearances, the governor’s actions were never unlawful, claiming that these were misunderstandings rather than actual acts of corruption. The lawyer confirmed that there are no resignation plans in sight, underlining that “the process remains to be done”.
This position is countered by a growing chorus of opponents calling for immediate resignation and new elections, citing the integrity of democracy.
On the other hand, Toti maintains a guarantor position and refuses to consider resigning, preparing to face the trial that could define his political future and that of the region. “We are very calm,” Toti said, responding to corruption allegations that have sent shock waves through Ligurian politics.
The debate between the parties continues
The defenses by exponents of the centre-rightincluding Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini, highlight a political division: they support the Toti’s presumption of innocence and they consider the requests for resignation premature. This situation reflects the delicate balance of Italian politics, where accusations can quickly turn into political crises.
Matteo Salvini, in particular, commented that resigning now would be equivalent to a surrender. Furthermore, Antonio Tajani defended the Keeper of the Seals Carlo Nordio, underlining that the matter, being years ago, could have been addressed previously.
Resignations or a motion of no confidence could bring early elections, giving Brothers of Italy, the main majority party, the opportunity to position its own candidate.
Who is there now to manage the affairs of Liguria in Toti’s place
The vice president Alessandro Piana took the reins of the regional government. Piana spoke to journalists in Genoa during the start of the fifth stage of the Giro d’Italia. He reported that Toti is calm but also anxious to clarify the circumstances that led to his arrest, underlining the administrative continuity: “We didn’t stop even for a minute, all of us yesterday kept the commitments we made previously.”
The vice president emphasized the importance of remaining open and available for dialogue with all political parties, signaling a wait-and-see attitude towards future decisions of the political secretariats. Piana said he continues to interact regularly with political secretaries, coordinators, councilors, group leaders and councilors.
In response to the opposition’s requests for resignation, Piana observed that such requests are part of the “game of roles” and underlined that the majority would also have acted similarly if the positions had been reversed. He urged us not to be scandalized or stiffened in the face of such attitudes, considering them one normal political dynamics.
