BARI - An investigation has been launched by the Procura di Bari following revelations that Carmela Fiorella, recently appointed head of human resources at Aeroporti di Puglia (AdP), presented a false degree during her selection process. The inquiry was initiated on April 18, 2025, after it was confirmed that the diploma she submitted was not valid, raising serious questions about her qualifications and the hiring practices at the airport authority.
Fiorella, who is 38 years old and the wife of regional councilor Filippo Caracciolo, resigned from her position amid the growing controversy. In a statement, AdP acknowledged its responsibility in the matter and apologized to the public, emphasizing its commitment to uphold corporate integrity. The company has also announced plans to take legal action to protect its honor and that of its employees.
According to reports, Fiorella’s degree was purportedly in Economics and Management from the Università di Bari Aldo Moro. However, it has been revealed that she actually graduated in Scienze dell'amministrazione, a qualification that would not have allowed her to participate in the competitive selection for the position at AdP. Investigators are now looking into the authenticity of her diploma, as there are discrepancies in the signatures of the university officials who supposedly endorsed it.
The controversy surrounding Fiorella's hiring has been compounded by her husband's political troubles. Filippo Caracciolo, a member of the Democratic Party (PD), is currently facing legal issues related to corruption charges. This connection has sparked further scrutiny of the PD and its practices, with party officials calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.
In a statement from AdP, it was noted that the complaint to the Judicial Authority was made to safeguard the company's reputation and that of its governing bodies. The decision to file the complaint was described as a necessary step in light of the serious allegations against Fiorella. The inquiry is expected to examine the hiring process and whether proper due diligence was conducted by AdP.
The Università di Bari has also been drawn into the controversy, having received requests for clarification regarding the validity of Fiorella's degree. The university has stated that it has forwarded all relevant documentation to the appropriate authorities and is prepared to take legal action to defend its reputation.
Domenico De Santis, the regional secretary of the PD, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in light of the situation. He stated, "It is necessary to shed light on the resignation of Caracciolo's wife from Aeroporti di Puglia. The Democratic Party cannot tolerate any conduct that deviates from respect for the laws and ethics. If any wrongdoing is confirmed, those responsible will face consequences."
In an unexpected turn, Fiorella publicly stated that she would take full responsibility for the situation, saying, "It is right that I pay the price for this." Her resignation was described as a move to protect her family amidst the unfolding scandal. The hiring process itself, which lasted only ten days, had initially attracted only three candidates, with two being excluded due to bureaucratic issues.
The investigation into Fiorella's qualifications raises broader questions about the hiring practices within public institutions in Italy, particularly in the context of political affiliations and nepotism. Critics have pointed out that the lack of rigorous checks on qualifications can lead to significant issues of integrity and trust in public service.
As the investigation unfolds, there are calls for a reevaluation of the hiring processes at AdP and other public entities to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. Forza Italia, a political opposition party, has demanded the resignation of the entire board of directors at AdP, citing a failure to uphold standards and accountability.
Furthermore, the PD is facing internal pressure to address the implications of this scandal on its image and leadership. Igor Taruffi, the organizational manager of the PD, has announced plans for a restructuring of party leadership in response to the ongoing controversies, indicating that there will be a shift in focus towards ethical governance and accountability.
As the Procura di Bari continues its investigation, the ramifications of this case could extend beyond individual accountability, potentially impacting the political landscape in Puglia. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in public office and the need for transparency in the hiring processes of public institutions.
The unfolding events surrounding Carmela Fiorella and Aeroporti di Puglia highlight the critical need for vigilance and ethical standards within public service roles. As investigations proceed, many will be watching closely to see how this situation develops and what measures will be implemented to restore trust in public institutions.
