Calabria Governor
Giuseppe Scopelliti confirmed that he will step down on Friday
after receiving a six-year prison sentence and a permanent ban
from public office for abuse of office.
On Thursday judges found Scopelliti guilty of abuse of
office and misinformation while serving as mayor of Reggio
Calabria in events related to the 2010 suicide of a former
finance manager for the city, Orsola Fallaro.
The case stems from an investigation into Reggio's finances
between 2008 to 2010.
"There's no turning back. The decision has been made",
Scopelliti told ANSA during a break from the Friday majority
meeting discussing his resignation.
"As of today, not a single piece of evidence has emerged
that identifies with certainty my responsibility".
Regional and state politicians were quick to respond to the
resignation, with many supporting an immediate return to
elections, including Democratic Party representative Alfredo
D'Attore, who commented that "immediate elections are the only
way to allow Calabria and Calabrians to take charge of their own
destiny".
"We can restore dignity to Calabrian institutions by
returning quickly to the polls," said Katia Stancato, Calabria
Civic Choice coordinator.
Though Scopelliti has resigned he can appeal and the
conviction is not definitive.
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