Italian Culture Minister Resigns Amid Scandal

Italy's culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano resigned after admitting to an affair with consultant Maria Rosaria Boccia, causing embarrassment to Premier Giorgia Meloni's government. The scandal included speculation about Boccia's access to sensitive documents and her controversial appointment. Alessandro Giuli has been sworn in as the new culture minister.

Italy's culture minister resigned Friday, days after tearfully acknowledging an affair with a ministry consultant that embarrassed Premier Giorgia Meloni's government. Giorgia Meloni, the Premier, accepted Gennaro Sangiuliano's resignation after initially standing by him for nearly two weeks as the scandal unfolded.

The scandal extended beyond the affair, with speculation that the consultant, Maria Rosaria Boccia, had accessed sensitive government documents related to an upcoming G-7 culture ministers meeting. It began last month, when Sangiuliano denied Boccia's claim on social media that she had been named a formal consultant for major events at the ministry.

In an interview on RAI state television, Sangiuliano said Boccia's appointment was never finalized due to a potential conflict of interest. He emphasized that he personally covered her expenses while on ministry business and denied her access to sensitive materials. He expressed regret, offering tearful apologies to his wife and Premier Meloni. Meanwhile, Alessandro Giuli, head of Rome's MAXXI museum, has been sworn in as the new culture minister.

(With inputs from agencies.)