Santanch¨ Changes Legal Representation, Seeks Hearing Postponement in Fraud Case

Milan: Tourism Minister Daniela Santanch¨’s legal team has requested a postponement of a crucial court hearing related to an alleged aggravated fraud case involving the INPS social security and pensions agency during the COVID-19 period. This request was made to preliminary hearings judge Tiziana Gueli after Santanch¨ decided to change one of her attorneys, replacing Salvatore Sanzo with Salvatore Pino.

According to Ansa News Agency, Pino has asked for additional time to review the case, leading to the request for delaying the hearing initially scheduled for Wednesday. Judge Gueli is expected to make a decision on whether to grant this postponement, which would provide Pino the opportunity to study the case details more thoroughly.

Should the request be approved, this would delay the decision on whether Santanch¨ will face indictment in the Visibilia case. The minister has previously stated her intention to step aside if indicted. The preliminary hearings judge is likely to favor Pino’s request to reschedule due to the unavailability of Santanch¨’s other attorney, Nicol² Pelanda.

Additionally, the case remains in Milan following the supreme Cassation Court’s ruling against transferring the trial to Rome, as requested by the defense. This decision has extended the preliminary phase of the proceedings. Prosecutors Marina Gravina and Luigi Luzi, along with INPS’s attorney Aldo Tagliene and other defense attorneys, are expected to present their arguments in future hearings.

Judicial sources indicate that at least two more preliminary hearings are anticipated before reaching a decision on the indictment. Judge Gueli, who is transitioning to another office, will continue overseeing the preliminary phase until March 31, with the possibility of an extension to ensure continuity.

The charges against Santanch¨ and two other individuals, including her life partner Dimitri Kunz, involve accusations of fraudulently utilizing COVID-19 redundancy funds for employees who were allegedly still working. Galeazzo Bignami, the Lower House whip of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, emphasized that an indictment would prompt Santanch¨ to resign. He remarked that allowing Santanch¨ to defend herself without the pressures of her ministerial duties is crucial, despite acknowledging her effective governance of tourism.