League Transport and Infrastructure
Undersecretary Armando Siri has been placed under investigation
in a Palermo corruption probe, Rome prosecutors said Thursday.
According to prosecutors, Siri allegedly received money to
modify a norm to be inserted into the 2018 DEF economic
blueprint which would have favoured funding for firms operating
in the renewable energy sector.
The norm was never approved.
Rome prosecutors said in their search warrant that Siri had
used his public role for private interests.
Siri said "I have no idea, I don't know what it's about. I
must first read and understand. I have read names I don't know.
I certainly am not involved with affairs that can have criminal
effects. I have always behaved respecting the laws. I am
tranquil".
The leader of the League's government partner, 5-Star
Movement (M5S) chief Luigi Di Maio, called for Siri to quit "for
ethical and political reasons".
But League leader Matteo Salvini said "I have full confidence
in Siri.
"It is absurd. I know him, I esteem him, I have no doubt, and
in any case we're speaking of something that didn''t end up in
the DEF".
Salvini added that he had never demanded the resignation of
an M5S member when they were placed under investigation.
But Transport and Infrastructure Minister Danilo Toninelli, a
prominent M5S member, said Siri would be stripped of his duties
pending clarification in the case.
He said that the Trapani anti-mafia investigative unit had
been working on the case.
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