Minister Zennaro Sanjuliano
Resigns One Day After Admitting Affair in Media Interview
The Italian Minister of Culture, who was accused of having an affair with an influencer, admitted to the infidelity and resigned from his ministerial position.
On the 7th, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing ANSA, that Gennaro Sanjuliano (62), the Italian Minister of Culture, who was embroiled in allegations of appointing a woman with whom he had an affair as his advisor, ultimately resigned on the 6th (local time).
Influencer Bocha and Minister Sanjuliano. Minister Sanjuliano resigned from his ministerial position after admitting to an affair with Bocha. [Photo by Instagram]
The decision came just one day after he admitted to having an affair with Maria Rosaria Boccia (41), an influencer and fashion entrepreneur. Minister Sanjuliano stated, "After enduring painful days, I have decided to resign from the position of Minister of Culture," adding, "This decision is irreversible."
In an interview aired during prime time on the public broadcaster Rai's TG1 channel the previous evening, he acknowledged the affair with Boccia. With a trembling voice, he said, "The first person I must apologize to is my special wife. And I apologize to Prime Minister Meloni, who trusted me, for causing embarrassment to him and the government."
He explained that he met Boccia at an event held in Naples last May, which led to building a friendship, and their relationship developed into a romantic one between late July and early August.
Prime Minister Meloni immediately accepted his resignation and appointed Alessandro Giuli, director of MAXXI, Rome's National Museum of 21st Century Arts, as the new minister. The newly appointed Minister Giuli took the oath of office at the presidential palace that evening.
Bocha posted on the 26th of last month, "I am grateful to Minister Sanjuliano for appointing me as an advisor for major events." [Photo source=Instagram]
The affair allegations against Minister Sanjuliano began on the 26th of last month when Boccia posted on her Instagram. At that time, Boccia uploaded a photo with Minister Sanjuliano and wrote, "Thank you to Minister Sanjuliano for appointing me as an advisor for a major event." Various rumors about their relationship spread at that time.
Minister Sanjuliano's side also dismissed the allegations, stating, "Boccia was never appointed as the minister's advisor, and there is no friendship between Boccia and the minister."
However, controversy escalated when it was revealed that Minister Sanjuliano accompanied Boccia during his visit to Pompeii to prepare for the upcoming three-day G7 Culture Ministers' Meeting starting on the 19th. Allegations of misuse of public funds and leaks of confidential information surfaced, causing an uproar in the political sphere.
He claimed that although he considered appointing Boccia as his advisor, he did not do so due to potential conflicts of interest. He also presented bank statements as evidence, asserting that all travel and accommodation expenses related to Boccia's attendance at events were paid personally.
However, as Minister Sanjuliano refuted the claims, Boccia immediately countered, further intensifying the controversy. In interviews with local media, Boccia claimed that she was indeed appointed as an advisor to the Minister of Culture and attended several operational meetings for the G7 Culture Ministers' Meeting. She also stated that all necessary expenses during this process were covered by the Ministry of Culture. Boccia publicly posted internal documents related to the G7 Culture Ministers' Meeting on her Instagram account.
Ultimately, Minister Sanjuliano acknowledged their relationship and apologized. He confessed that they built a friendship at an event held in Naples last May and that their relationship developed into a romantic one between late July and early August.
However, Minister Sanjuliano continued to deny allegations regarding Boccia's appointment as an advisor, the leak of confidential documents, and the misuse of taxes. He insisted that although he considered appointing Boccia as an advisor, he did not do so due to concerns about conflicts of interest. He also maintained that all expenses related to Boccia's attendance at events were paid personally.
The scandal ultimately led to Minister Sanjuliano's resignation. The Board of Audit announced that it had launched an investigation into allegations of misuse of public funds by Minister Sanjuliano on the same day.
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