ROME,Oct 29, V7N- Conservative Marco Bucci narrowly won the presidency of Italy’s Liguria region on Monday, following a corruption scandal that led to the resignation of his right-wing predecessor, Giovanni Toti. Bucci, currently the mayor of Genoa, garnered 48.71% of the vote, defeating former justice minister and opposition candidate Andrea Orlando, who received 47.43%, according to the Ministry of the Interior’s data, with approximately 95% of votes counted.
Orlando conceded and wished Bucci well in a call after the election, which took place over Sunday and Monday. The early election was triggered by Toti’s resignation in late July after he was placed under house arrest in May due to an anti-corruption investigation concerning port and beach operations.
Toti, who has denied allegations of accepting 74,100 euros in campaign funds from local businessmen in exchange for favors, initially sought to stay in office but resigned as allies withdrew support. Toti previously served in Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party, which shaped his political career.
END/WSP/RH/
Comment: