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The Carabinieri of Pavia are executing a precautionary custody order against the mayor of Vigevano Andrea Ceffaof a city councilor and three ASM managers (controlled by the Municipality) in relation to crimes against public administration. A local politician, a former MEP and a building contractor were also searched. The basis of the investigation was the attempt in November 2022 to overthrow the city council (known asSt. Andrew’s conspiracy“), a consultant was contacted to resign for 15 thousand euros while she would have been provided with counseling by the mayor to get support from another consultant. The mayor is accused of corruption.
In total, five people were arrested as part of the investigation: together with the mayor of the Northern League Vigevano Andrea Ceffa, 51, of the League, in his second term, the city councilor is under house arrest. Roberta Giacometti43 years old, the only member elected from the central civic body Vigevano Riparte, sole director of the Asm subsidiary, Veronica Passarella52 years old, administrative director of the same company Alessandro Gabbi53 years old and company administrator of the Asm group, Vigevano gas distribution, Matteo Ciceri49 years old. The former League MEP is currently under investigation and subject to a search Angelo Ciocca49 years old, and the building contractor Alberto Righini51 years old, sole director of Vicos of Vigevano and former provincial president and regional vice president of Ance, the association of builders.
The investigations
The Carabinieri investigation, as summarized by the Pavia Prosecutor’s Office, develops along two separate and parallel lines. The first is directly related to the effort, implemented on November 30, 2022, to overthrow the municipal administration led by the mayor Andrea Ceffa, gathering before a notary and then registering the resignation of 13 out of 25 councilors: the entire minority and four from the majority (Riccardo Capelli, Silvia Montagnana, Giulio Onori and Rimma Garifullina).
However, at the time of the filing of the documents at the protocol office by several delegates, one of the 13 letters of resignation gonealthough the person who signed it, Capelli, had indicated that he wanted to revoke it in the previous hours. Affairs that led to appeals to the administrative justice system, which were rejected, and also to an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office, which has so far yielded no results. In this context, according to what the Prosecutor’s Office informs, the suspects Ciocca and Righini went at least of the advisers municipal authorities with a promise that he will receive a sum of € 15,000 if he participated in the “resignation”. That bribery attempt, however, would not succeed.
More or less at the same time, the mayor Ceffa would act «to get political support from another city councilor», namely Giacometti, a lawyer, who developed dissatisfaction after being excluded from all positions in the council and subsidiaries and who was. it is clear that he was afraid that he would succeed and the opposition was the 13th person who resigned from his death.
– How can community engagement improve accountability in local governance?
Interview Script: Engaging Discussion on Corruption in Local Politics
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment today! We have with us Dr. Sarah Rossi, an expert in political integrity and governance. Dr. Rossi, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sarah Rossi (SSR): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. Recently, the Carabinieri of Pavia executed a precautionary custody order against the mayor of Vigevano, Andrea Ceffa, along with several other officials. What are your initial thoughts on this situation?
SSR: It’s certainly troubling and underscores a significant issue within local governance. The accusations against Mayor Ceffa—corruption and attempting to manipulate city council positions—highlight a systemic vulnerability in political structures. It’s particularly alarming given that this involves city officials directly influencing public administration for personal gain.
TNE: It seems like this case is tied to what’s being called the “St. Andrew’s Conspiracy.” Can you explain what that entails?
SSR: Absolutely. This conspiracy centers around an alleged plot to undermine the existing city council through unethical means, including bribery. The suggestion that a consultant was offered €15,000 to resign points to a calculated effort to destabilize the political environment for personal or partisan advantage. It raises questions about transparency and accountability in local government operations.
TNE: Five people were arrested, including a city councilor and several managers from a municipal company. How does this collective involvement paint a picture of the issue at hand?
SSR: It’s indicative of a broader culture where corruption can thrive when multiple key players are involved. This situation suggests that corrupt practices may not be isolated incidents but potentially a pervasive issue within the administration and affiliated organizations. What’s particularly concerning is the involvement of individuals across various levels, including municipal management and even a former MEP.
TNE: The consequences of these actions can ripple out broadly. What implications does this have for public trust in local governance?
SSR: Damage to public trust can be profound and lasting. When citizens see their elected officials engaged in corruption, it fosters cynicism and disengagement from the political process. The public might feel powerless, believing their voices and votes are meaningless in a system tainted by corruption. Rebuilding that trust will require enhanced transparency, accountability, and possibly significant reforms in how local governments operate.
TNE: What measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
SSR: Strengthening oversight mechanisms is crucial. This could include more rigorous auditing processes, independent investigations into public officials’ activities, and fostering a culture of whistleblowing. Additionally, engaging the community and creating platforms for public feedback can promote accountability. Education around ethics in public service is equally important to ensure that future leaders understand the importance of integrity.
TNE: Lastly, do you think we’ll see a shift in how local politicians conduct themselves as a result of this event?
SSR: Change is always a possibility, particularly if the consequences of these actions are severe and widely reported. However, it often takes persistent advocacy and engagement from citizens to instigate real change. If the public demands higher standards and greater integrity from their leaders, politicians may indeed think twice before dipping into corrupt practices. Nonetheless, these events should serve as a wake-up call for both politicians and constituents about the importance of vigilant civic engagement.
TNE: Dr. Rossi, thank you for your insightful analysis. It’s clear that this situation is more than just a local scandal; it reflects wider issues in governance. We appreciate your time today!
SSR: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial conversation, and I’m glad to be part of it.
