Italian Culture Minister Resigns Amid Scandal

Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano resigned following controversy over a consultancy role for his ex-mistress. The incident turned into an embarrassment for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government. Sangiuliano, a former journalist, admitted to the affair, apologized publicly, and announced his resignation to maintain institutional integrity.

Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano resigned on Friday after controversy erupted over a consultancy role for his former mistress, becoming a point of embarrassment for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government. Sangiuliano, a seasoned journalist aged 62, was under intense media scrutiny after self-styled fashion entrepreneur Maria Rosaria Boccia revealed she was appointed as 'Adviser to the minister for major events' last month.

The culture ministry initially refuted the appointment, but Sangiuliano later admitted he had offered her an unpaid consultant role before reconsidering due to a conflict of interest. 'I deem it necessary for the institutions and for myself to hand in my resignation,' Sangiuliano wrote in his resignation letter to Meloni, defending his record and denying any misconduct.

During a tearful TV interview on Wednesday, Sangiuliano acknowledged the affair with Boccia, apologized to his wife, and stated that Meloni had previously rejected his resignation. The scandal has been front-page news and has drawn parallels to past political sex scandals, notably the 'bunga bunga' parties involving former premier Silvio Berlusconi.

Prime Minister Meloni swiftly appointed Alessandro Giuli, head of Rome's MAXXI contemporary arts museum, as the new culture minister, with the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for later on Friday. This marks the first ministerial change in her right-wing administration, which remains highly popular and faces a fragmented opposition.

(With inputs from agencies.)