Milan under investigation, Sala's reasons for being investigated: "My hands are clean, I'm staying here to govern."

"I have always acted in the best interests of the citizens, without personal gain or favoring private interests. My hands are clean. I will continue in my mandate; I will be here if the majority is there, with responsibility and heart." This, in short, was the speech by Milan Mayor Beppe Sala before the city council, while environmental associations protested in Piazza della Scala, demanding he step down.

The other news of the day, albeit expected and anticipated, is the resignation of the councilor for urban regeneration , Giancarlo Tancredi, who stated he has a clear conscience and is stepping down out of respect for the judiciary, the mayor, and his colleagues. Tancredi, along with five other suspects, has been issued an arrest warrant, which the investigating judge will decide on after preliminary questioning. "We and no one else have the duty to keep the commitments we made to our voters, " Sala said. " I am motivated to continue; the goal is to combine development with assistance to those in need. We must address the housing cost problem and take action to restore vacant apartments in our residential stock. If the majority is in place on this basis, I am here with all the passion, desire, and love for a city I am capable of. There is no possibility of destabilizing me." "Justice and politics must deal with different areas ," the mayor added , "with complete mutual respect. I don't intend to pass judgment on the magistrates, but I can't help but share my version . I ask you politicians: are those who aspire to govern the city or the country okay with confidential investigations becoming public? I remind those who profit from these situations: today it's me, tomorrow it's you."

Sala recalled that an opposition councilor had circulated a picture of him in prison garb. "I discussed the matter with the Prime Minister and the President of the Senate," who are from the same party as Councilor Marcora. "Well, I'll keep their response to myself," the mayor added. The decision on the sale of the San Siro stadium will resume in September. Sala intended to hold a vote this month, but the Democratic Party has made its support conditional on the postponement. The stadium won't be an easy decision because some councilors from the majority are opposed. Forza Italia group leader Riccardo Truppo noted that both Sala and Tancredi are prisoners of this majority, explaining: " Mr. Mayor, I hoped you would avoid acting like a clay pot among iron pots."

"Sala's speech was sincere, now we're moving forward with energy, " said Pierfrancesco Majorino, Democratic Party group leader in the region and a likely center-left candidate in the upcoming municipal elections. Attention now turns to the judicial aspect, to tomorrow's questioning of those facing arrest. Preliminary Investigating Judge Mattia Fiorentini has no time limit for his decision and may reserve his decision until September. The relevance of the precautionary measures has already faded. But the arrest of those under investigation does not appear to be the priority of the investigation.

FROM

Frank Cimini