Italian Governor Resigns Amid Corruption Probe

Giovanni Toti, the centre-right governor of Italy's Liguria region, has resigned following his arrest in a corruption investigation. Toti, who denies the allegations, was accused of accepting over 70,000 euros from a businessman for port contracts and permits. His resignation drew criticism from ruling coalition members.

Giovanni Toti, the centre-right governor of Italy's northwestern Liguria region, resigned on Friday following his arrest in a corruption probe, according to a resignation letter obtained by Reuters. Toti, who has led Liguria for the past nine years, was placed under house arrest on May 7.

Toti faces charges of receiving over 70,000 euros ($75,971) from a businessman in exchange for the awarding of port terminal contracts, building permits, and a beach concession. He has denied all allegations. His handwritten resignation letter was addressed to the acting governor and the head of the regional council.

The arrest of Toti has sparked criticism from members of the ruling coalition, who accused Genoa magistrates of undermining the democratic process. In a statement, the ruling League party said, "In Liguria, we are faced with yet another attempt to subvert the popular vote using investigations and arrests." The investigation also resulted in the arrest of Paolo Emilio Signorini, former head of Italian utility IREN, related to his prior role as head of the Ports of Genoa Authority.

(With inputs from agencies.)