Culture Minister Resigns Amid Controversy; Alessandro Giuli Appointed as Successor

Culture Minister Resigns Amid Controversy; Alessandro Giuli Appointed as Successor

Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano has submitted his “irrevocable resignation” to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, marking a significant shift in Italy’s cultural leadership. Alessandro Giuli, currently President of the MAXXI Foundation, has been nominated as Sangiuliano’s successor. In his resignation letter, Sangiuliano expressed deep frustration over the intense media and political scrutiny he has faced, stating that he believes stepping down is necessary to maintain his personal honor and to clear his name of any allegations.

Sangiuliano emphasized his commitment to transparency, asserting that no funds from the Ministry were misused, and vowed to pursue legal action against those spreading false information about him. He acknowledged the support from Meloni, who had previously rejected calls for his resignation and defended him amid the scandal. Sangiuliano has expressed a desire to focus on personal matters and legal battles, including filing a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in response to the resignation, praised Sangiuliano for his significant contributions to enhancing Italy’s cultural heritage. She confirmed that Sangiuliano’s resignation has been accepted and proposed Alessandro Giuli as the new Minister of Culture. Meloni assured that the government’s commitment to cultural revival and reform would continue under Giuli’s leadership, aligning with the broader goals of the administration.

In an interview with Il Messaggero, Sangiuliano revealed his plans to return to his previous role at RAI, emphasizing his intention to regain his professional standing and personal well-being. Despite the challenges and the “devastating” impact of fake news, he remains confident in his integrity and is determined to clear his name and move forward in his career.