Overview

• The Partito Democratico has publicly confirmed Matteo Ricci as its candidate for president of Marche, with Secretary Elly Schlein expressing full confidence in his innocence.
• Pesaro prosecutors allege Ricci allowed roughly €500,000 in no-bid municipal contracts to two nonprofits during his 2014–19 term without accusing him of taking personal kickbacks.
• Giuseppe Conte convened an internal “Tribunale 5 Stelle” and reserved judgment on Ricci’s candidacy pending review of investigation files and his July 30–31 interrogations.
• Tensions have risen within the centre-left coalition as PD figures challenge the Five Star’s cautious stance and insist on respect for their chosen candidate.
• Ricci continues his regional election campaign while maintaining his innocence and preparing to answer prosecutors’ questions later this week.