Pesaro, Matteo Ricci receives a notice of investigation and responds on social media.

An investigation into alleged procurement irregularities by the Municipality of Pesaro, when Democratic Party MEP Matteo Ricci was mayor, is shaking up the newly launched campaign for the upcoming Marche regional elections. Ricci himself, a leading candidate for the presidency of the Marche region, announced in a video on social media that he had received a notice of investigation from the Pesaro Public Prosecutor's Office. The investigation concerns funds allocated by the Municipality in the previous legislature, specifically to two cultural associations, totaling over €500,000 for various projects and projects, including the mural dedicated to Liliana Segre and the installation of a giant helmet in honor of MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi. A practice of direct, non-competitive contracts from which, according to prosecutors, even then-mayor Ricci would have benefited, not financially, but in terms of "political consensus" under the banner of a dynamic administration. The person directly involved claims he is not involved in the accusations and trusts in the judiciary's work, but the news has shocked his allies, and, moreover, it comes just 24 hours before the election date was set. Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein has not commented, while Giuseppe Conte's position reads like a warning to the candidate. The Five Star Movement leader hopes Ricci "will clarify this matter as soon as possible with the judicial authorities to dispel any doubts and be able to conduct the election campaign with complete peace of mind." However, he reserves the right to "thoroughly evaluate the allegations" because "dishonest conduct would be incompatible with the principles and values" of the Movement. Ricci says he is "calm about the merits," but "bitter and angry" about the timing: "I'm convinced we will immediately dismantle the accusations because we are not involved in the facts. When a mayor governs, he has many collaborators: if one collaborator makes a mistake, the mayor is the injured party, because trust is betrayed." The Brothers of Italy party, led by outgoing governor Francesco Acquaroli, is attacking. Fdi MP Antonio Baldelli emphasizes the principle of the presumption of innocence in judicial matters but lists the "political responsibilities from which Ricci cannot escape," such as those for "Affidopoli," in which "they appear equally serious and unavoidable." "First Milan, with Sala, now Ricci in Pesaro," counters Enzo Maraio, secretary of the Italian Socialist Party. "Politics should not let the judiciary dictate its agenda. It should be more independent, more courageous, and ready, especially on the left, for a serious self-criticism over thirty years of mistakes and useless support." The notice of investigation arrived the day after the election dates were formalized, set by the outgoing governor for September 28th and 29th. "Surprisingly," observes the Democratic Party MEP in the video released, "this morning I received a notice of investigation regarding the long-running issue of foster care, murals, parties, and Valentino Rossi's helmet, which has been in the press for a year now." "I'm surprised because in my life, in 15 years of administration," he assures, "I have never dealt with public contracts and works and I have always blindly trusted my managers and collaborators, as I did in this case." "I've been repeating it for months, and I'll repeat it to the prosecutor, whom I hope to see as soon as possible. Among other things, the accusation is curious," he continues, "because they're telling me I didn't gain any financial benefit, but rather a benefit in terms of political consensus. And they're alleging something I deny: that I knew about these associations, when I've never had any direct involvement with them."

The investigation, which already has several suspects in addition to Ricci, revolves around assignments and contributions awarded without a public tender to the Opera Maestra and Stella Polare associations. Investigators from the State Police and the Guardia di Finanza, coordinated by the Prosecutor's Office, are investigating the matter. They have acquired documents, resolutions, council resolutions, and committee minutes, also to verify relationships between the offices and the various associations.