Ricci is under investigation, but Schlein breaks his silence: "He remains our candidate in the Marche region."

Pesaro, July 25, 2025 - "The Democratic Party stands by Ricci." Elly Schlein has no doubts, even after the investigation involving Matteo Ricci , former mayor of Pesaro, and center-left candidate for the Marche regional elections, who has come under scrutiny by the Prosecutor's Office for the "Affidopoli" case regarding the direct awarding of some public works. "He remains our candidate. He said he was completely uninvolved , we have faith in the judiciary and hope everything will be clarified as soon as possible. "The Democratic Party stands absolutely by him." This is how the Democratic Party secretary responded to reporters on the sidelines of a conference.

Elly Schlein, secretary of the Democratic Party, and Matteo Ricci, center-left candidate for the Marche regional elections, under investigation for corruption in the 'Affidopoli' case.

From these contracts, Ricci would have gained "consensus," as the magistrates write, rather than financial benefits. Despite this, however, the Five Star Movement has not yet confirmed its support for the candidate in the Marche region, reserving its decision at least until Wednesday, July 30, when Ricci is expected to appear before the prosecutor's office.

According to reports, Giuseppe Conte has called a meeting today with Paola Taverna, Giorgio Fede (Marche regional coordinator), provincial coordinators, and representatives of the Marche regional groups. "We are taking the necessary time: it is important to wait for the conclusion of the interrogations by the Prosecutor's Office on July 30-31," he said. During the meeting, Conte asked to begin a discussion with the local authorities in the coming days. "It is also important to understand the sensitivities of the local community," a sensitivity that Conte intends to acquire for the ongoing decision-making process, which will conclude in Rome. He then emphasized that "a notice of investigation is not a conviction" and that a "mature and responsible political force like the M5S" is required to "assess each case individually and evaluate whether the individual has demonstrated honesty or dishonesty."

At the same time, the 5S leader was keen to point out that "public ethics, transparency, and legality are fundamental and non-negotiable values: for us, they are fundamental." Ricci says he is "calm." If there was a mistake, it was due to excessive trust in his collaborators: "I have never been involved in contracts or procurements; by law, that's not the mayor's responsibility, but rather the administrative and management structure." And, as for Conte, he makes it clear: "What I say, I've also said to him."