The investigation into Lucanian healthcare continues to be a topic of discussion, involving leading figures in regional politics. The president of the Basilicata Regional Council, Vito Bardi, has been sent for trial on charges of complicity in inducing the giving or promising of benefits. This measure is the result of an investigation started in 2022 and the first hearing is set for January 20, 2025.
Bardi is not the only politician to face justice. Four other councilors of his center-right government have been implicated in the proceedings:
The investigation led, on October 7, 2022, to two significant arrests: Francesco Piro, at the time Forza Italia group leader in the Regional Council, was imprisoned, while the former mayor of Lagonegro, Maria Di Lascio, was placed under house arrest. The investigations focus on two main lines:
The first concerns the alleged removal of Massimo Barresi from the general management of the San Carlo hospital in Potenza. Investigators claim that this action was orchestrated by the council through a reduction in funds of approximately 12 million euros. The second strand explores an alleged “political-electoral trafficking” in the city of Lagonegro during the 2020 municipal elections. At the end of the preliminary hearing held at the Palace of Justice in the Lucanian capital, a total of 19 people (including Piro and Di Lascio) were sent to trial. Five others were dismissed and three people were acquitted with an abbreviated trial.
The Lucanian healthcare inquiry highlights broader issues regarding transparency and integrity in local politics. With numerous politicians on trial and a climate of growing distrust towards institutions, it is crucial to monitor how these events will evolve in the coming months and what impact they will have on regional governance. Basilicata is now facing a decisive phase for its political and social future.
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