The investigation for abuse of office, already closed, involved two economic resolutions of the Umbria Region, involving the president Donatella Tesei and the councilor for the budget Paola Urbani Agabiti. At the center of the matter are funding received by the Region from a farm linked to the governor’s son and owned by the councilor’s husband. Tesei told ANSA that he learned of the news only through the press, underlining that the investigation had been ongoing for some time and that this demonstrates the correctness of his administration’s work. He also mentioned the political exploitation linked to the imminent electoral deadline.
Prosecutor Cantone asked the investigating judge to close the case following the repeal of the crime of abuse of office, a request that was granted. Lawyer Di Mario, defender of councilor Agabiti, stated that without the repeal the charge of crime would have been unfounded from a legal point of view. The first of the two resolutions under investigation concerned the approval of resources equal to 285 million euros, with consultations carried out with trade associations to define the supply chains to be supported, such as oil, hops and truffles. Temporary associations of purpose were formed to manage the calls for tenders, including one dedicated to truffles that involved about one hundred companies, including that of the councilor’s husband.
The investigation was triggered by an anonymous complaint and no real charges are formalized in the file. However, the issue has taken on strong political importance in view of the regional elections scheduled for November 17 and 18. Thomas De Luca, regional coordinator of the 5 Star Movement, asked President Tesei for clarity. Tommaso Bori, secretary of the Umbrian PD, also highlighted how the news highlights a consolidated system that has exploited institutions to favor family businesses. Finally, Stefania Proietti, candidate for the center-left presidency of the Umbria Region, expressed her disappointment with the situation, underlining how more transparent management would have been desirable to avoid conflicts of interest.
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