Italian PM Refutes Government Weakening Claims Amid Ministerial Scandal

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has downplayed the impact of a controversy involving her former Culture Minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, who resigned after a scandal related to a consultancy role offered to his former lover. Meloni criticized the media for overblowing the issue and reassured the public of her government's stability.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has dismissed claims that her government has been weakened by a recent scandal involving its Culture Minister. The controversy centers on Gennaro Sangiuliano, who resigned after offering a consultancy role to his former lover and subsequently making a tearful apology on television.

Meloni, speaking at a business forum in Cernobbio, praised Sangiuliano's tenure despite his resignation. She criticized the media's focus on the scandal, which she believes was disproportionate and intended to damage the government's credibility.

Following Sangiuliano's resignation, Alessandro Giuli, head of the MAXXI contemporary arts museum in Rome, was appointed as the new Culture Minister. Meloni assured that her administration remains stable and continues to enjoy high popularity ratings, despite the ongoing media scrutiny.

(With inputs from agencies.)