Genoa Mayor Bucci Denounces "Massacre Game," Demands Clarity Amid Corruption Probe

Italy - Ekhbary News Agency

Genoa Mayor Bucci Denounces "Massacre Game," Demands Clarity Amid Corruption Probe

In strong statements reflecting deep dissatisfaction, Genoa Mayor Marco Bucci has unequivocally rejected what he described as a "massacre game" unfolding in the wake of major corruption investigations targeting prominent political figures and businessmen in the Liguria region. In a press interview, Bucci emphasized the need for clarity regarding his role in these events, declaring his full willingness to cooperate with the public prosecutor's office to uncover the truth.

Bucci's remarks come amid investigations that have led to the arrest of influential figures, including Regional President Giovanni Toti, businessman Aldo Spinelli, and Iren CEO Paolo Emilio Signorini, on corruption charges. These developments have significantly impacted the political and economic landscape of Genoa and surrounding areas.

The Mayor characterized the current atmosphere in Genoa as "turbulent," indicating that he feels "emotionally involved" due to his professional relationships with those implicated in the investigations. He expressed a sense of "impotence" when faced with what he called "false reconstructions" in the press, which he believes connect random points in a more complex mosaic. He added bitterly, "I am already receiving mudslinging, and it won't end here. I cannot manage how certain phrases and events are interpreted. Like in Paris-Roubaix, I will try to win, meaning do my job, even with mud on me."

One of the most prominent allegations Bucci faces, or rather claims attributed to him, concerns facilitating businessman Aldo Spinelli—a financier of the Toti list that supported his last electoral campaign—using funds designated for Genoa's port projects. The Mayor vehemently denied these claims, calling them a "falsehood that wounds me." He clarified that the funds in question are not "Morandi Bridge money" but belong to the Port Authority, and that there is "an evident error in reconstruction, hopefully only journalistic."

Bucci further explained: "The capping of Calata Concener in the port is included in the extraordinary program of port works provided for in the Genoa decree, which follows the tragedy of the Morandi Bridge, and concerns dozens of other works. The funds concerning interventions on the port... are available to the Port Authority. Everyone knows how hard I fought for the reconstruction of the bridge. This for me is the most defamatory accusation, and I hope to be able to clarify it as soon as possible in the competent venues."

The Mayor stressed that he "always pushes" for the interests of his city, and that the expansion of Calata Concener is part of the Masterplan project for the port's future regulatory plan. He asserted that this decision is a "good idea" because it will allow the spaces to be filled with excavation material from the sub-port tunnel, saving enormous costs associated with disposing of this material elsewhere. He added: "The Morandi money has nothing to do with it. The truth is that by doing so, we will have many more square meters available to work in the port, and we will dispose of material for free or almost free."

Regarding accusations directly linking him to Spinelli, Bucci stated: "Those areas do not benefit anyone, because they have yet to be assigned. Second, assignments are made by the Port Authority, not the mayor. Third, of course, Spinelli could apply for those areas, but it's not certain that the port committee will assign them to him. Although it might be logical, because all around that area, the other areas are already assigned to him. All the affairs of the port and this city were moving forward according to a precise plan that many pretend to forget today."

Bucci addressed some phrases attributed to him, clarifying that the quote "they don't give us a damn..." was not his but Giovanni Toti's, as per the judge's ordinance. He explained his comment about "pigs" he fed as a child was meant to convey the same concept Claudio Burlando explained in a previous interview: every time new areas become available, a fight breaks out among contenders in the port. Bucci noted Burlando's working-class origins and his own peasant background, but stressed the concept was identical.

When asked if he felt betrayed, Bucci responded, "Obviously, yes." He pointed out that he was the one who "put his face on the line" with his colleagues in Reggio Emilia and Turin for the appointment of Paolo Emilio Signorini to lead Iren, considering Signorini's alleged conduct, if true, a "grave betrayal" of his trust. Regarding Giovanni Toti, he said, "I worked a lot and well with the president and I still hope to be able to work with him again. I've said it and I repeat it. I know nothing about his dealings with other people. But if certain things are true, it's a problem. Even for me, on a personal level."

Regarding his feelings, Bucci stated he felt "both bitter and worried." He added, "Enormous damage is being done to the entire system. I perceive it. And I see the danger that this city, which we have painstakingly put back in motion, will stop again. Then, when I read certain reconstructions in the newspapers, I also feel betrayed, by people from my city. And I don't understand why."

Addressing the widespread question of whether he intends to run for Regional President, Bucci reaffirmed his commitment to Genoa, noting that "cemeteries are full of indispensable people." He stated, "I am not. I have to implement 7 billion euros of PNRR funds for Genoa, and do my job."

In conclusion, Bucci did not rule out the possibility of resigning if the investigations evolve against him. Quoting Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, whom he humbly does not dare to compare himself to, he said, "I am not playing this massacre game. I demand clarity, including about my position." He affirmed his complete availability to speak with magistrates to clarify all aspects of his activities, urging for "this stalemate to be resolved as soon as possible." He warned that "scandalistic reconstructions and defamatory rumors will not benefit anyone. No one wins on ruins."

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