Today the Senate is called to express its opinion on the authorization to acquire private correspondence between Gennaro Sangiuliano, former Minister of Culture, and Maria Rosaria Boccia, who aspired to become a councilor for Major Events. This request was made by the Court of Ministers and the vote will begin in the Committee for Elections and Immunities, to which the request was addressed. Later that day, the Chamber will proceed to express its vote.

On October 22, the Board will examine the report on the acquisition, which will then be put to a vote. Sangiuliano has the right to request to be heard by the Board or to submit a written statement. The central issue concerns the acquisition of the forensic copy of Boccia’s cell phone, including messages, chats and emails, as well as other electronic devices. It is important to emphasize that this is only the acquisition of the material and not its use. The Rome prosecutor’s office has already obtained this data as part of the investigation into Boccia’s appointment as councilor for Major Events, an appointment that was later annulled.

The Senate Committee intervenes in this case because it is the competent body for ministers who are not members of Parliament, as in the case of Sangiuliano. The case began with a complaint filed by Green Party MP Angelo Bonelli. Following this complaint, the former minister was investigated for embezzlement and disclosure of official secrets in relation to a case that also involves a businesswoman with whom Sangiuliano said he had a relationship.

The outcome of the Senate vote will be crucial to determine the next steps in the ongoing legal proceedings and to clarify any responsibilities related to the actions of the former minister. The situation is attracting considerable attention both at the political and media level, given the involvement of public figures and the legal implications of the issue. Today will mark an important step in the management of the affair and in the transparency of the institutions.