Luigi Brugnaro has been in the news for the past few months because of the entrance fee for short-term holidaymakers. Now his city is making headlines due to allegations of bribery – and so is he himself.
The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, is coming under increasing pressure due to a corruption scandal in the town hall of the Italian lagoon city. The right-wing politician rejected all calls for his resignation in a turbulent meeting of the city council. The public prosecutor’s office is investigating the 62-year-old on charges of bribery against his administration, but also on a piece of land that he personally owns. Brugnaro has been in the news worldwide in recent months due to the introduction of an entrance fee for Venice.
In the city council, the mayor denied all accusations. “I have done nothing wrong,” said Brugnaro. “I will fight for my honor.” In total, more than 20 suspects are being investigated, including his chief of staff. The head of the traffic department, Renato Boraso, also a close friend of Brugnaro’s, was even arrested last month. More than two million euros were confiscated from him, the origin of which is unclear.
Property bought for five million – now reportedly worth 150 million
Brugnaro has been in office since 2015. The businessman is close to the right-wing governing party Forza Italia. The investigation also concerns a piece of land at the entrance to the lagoon on the mainland, which he bought for five million euros a few years ago. It is now said to be worth 150 million euros. According to Italian media reports, a very wealthy investor from Singapore is interested. With the consent of the mayor, he bought a palace on the Grand Canal for a relatively low price in 2018 and turned it into a luxury hotel. It is now being examined whether there is a connection.
During the investigation, a recording of a telephone conversation between the mayor and the head of the traffic department from March 2023 was also secured, which is dangerous for Brugnaro. In it, he can be heard insulting his confidant and appearing to be in on the secret. The mayor literally says: “You don’t listen to me. You don’t understand shit. People tell me you’re asking for money. You probably don’t realize that. You’re risking too much. I’m telling you: you have to be careful and have better control over yourself.”
Internationally known through five euro entrance fee
In recent months, Brugnaro has also become internationally known thanks to the entrance fee for day tourists. On a total of 29 selected days, short-term visitors had to pay five euros for their stay in Venice in an experiment that is unique in the world. Next year, the fee is set to increase to up to ten euros.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
