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Sicily’s Schifani Ousts Two DC Assessors, Takes Portfolios During Cuffaro Probe

The regional leader says the shake-up safeguards institutional credibility during Palermo prosecutors’ sweeping corruption case.

Overview

  • Renato Schifani revoked the delegations of Nuccia Albano and Andrea Messina and assumed the Family and Public Function departments on an interim basis.
  • Palermo prosecutors have requested house arrest for 18 suspects, including former governor Salvatore Cuffaro and DC floor leader Carmelo Pace, on allegations such as corruption and market-rigging.
  • Cuffaro is scheduled to appear before the preliminary investigations judge this week after submitting his irrevocable resignation as secretary of the reconstituted Democrazia Cristiana.
  • The DC’s seven deputies have been pivotal for the center-right in the Sicilian Assembly, and the removals tighten Schifani’s parliamentary arithmetic as he urges their continued support.
  • Commentary in Italian media warns the changes could prove cosmetic unless followed by sustained transparency measures and structural reforms.