Calabria Governor Occhiuto Announces Resignation Amid Corruption Probe

Rome: Calabria Governor Roberto Occhiuto announced Thursday that he was quitting after being put under investigation in a probe into alleged corruption in projects in the southern region. But he added that he will seek a renewed mandate by standing for re-election.

According to Ansa News Agency, Occhiuto expressed his decision to resign while affirming his intent to run again for the governor position. He addressed the people of Calabria directly, stating, “I’ve decided to resign, but I’ve also decided to run again, to say to the Calabrians – you are the ones who will write the future of Calabria, who will decide whether Calabria should stop or whether this work should continue.”

Occhiuto explained that the decision to return to the polls would give the people the power to make the final decision regarding the region’s leadership. He emphasized his confidence in facing the investigation without fear, asserting that the upcoming elections would allow the citizens of Calabria to determine the course of their
region’s future. “In a few weeks, therefore, we’ll go to the polls, and it will be the Calabrians who decide, not anyone else,” he said.

The governor highlighted his concerns regarding the current state of his administration, stating, “I have to consider what’s happening in my administration.” He criticized the situation in which officials are forced to resign due to a notice of investigation, pointing out, “In a civilized country, no one should have to resign because of a notice of investigation. But what’s happening is that no one is taking the responsibility to sign off anything.”