On April 18, 2025, the Italian Council of Ministers made a significant decision to dissolve the Municipality of Caserta due to established connections with organized crime. This action was taken following a report from the Access Commission, initiated by Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, which highlighted serious concerns regarding the influence of the Camorra on local governance.
The dissolution of Caserta is not an isolated incident; similar measures were enacted for the municipalities of Aprilia in Lazio, and Badolato and Casabona in Calabria. This marks a troubling trend in Italy, where local administrations are increasingly facing scrutiny over corruption and criminal infiltration.
Carlo Marino, the mayor of Caserta, who has held office since 2016, reacted strongly to the decision, labeling it "an act of a political nature as well as an abnormal administrative act." He pledged to challenge the dissolution in court, stating, "We will immediately request access to the documents and subsequently appeal the decision before the Tar of Lazio, emphasizing that this is an administrative procedure. This is an act against the city and all Caserta citizens, institutionally disrespectful, occurring at a particularly sensitive time that a capital city does not deserve."
The roots of this dissolution can be traced back to a political and judicial upheaval that began in June 2024. During this time, the former prefect of Caserta, Giuseppe Castaldo, submitted a dossier detailing serious judicial issues involving key members of Marino's administration. These officials were accused of facilitating municipal contracts in exchange for favors, money, and votes, with ties to the notorious Belforte clan of Marcianise.
The investigation led by the Public Prosecutor's Office of Santa Maria Capua Vetere resulted in several arrests, including high-ranking municipal officials and the councilor for public works. Although these arrests were later annulled, they painted a stark picture of the challenges facing the local government.
As part of the dissolution process, the management of the Municipality of Caserta will be overseen by an extraordinary commission for the next 18 months. This is the first time in the city’s history that such a measure has been taken due to mafia infiltration, although Caserta has previously experienced the dissolution of its hospital company in 2015.
Political reactions to the dissolution have been varied, reflecting a range of perspectives on the implications for the city. Paolo Santonastaso, the local coordinator for the Fratelli d'Italia party, described the dissolution as "an indelible stain on the city caused by the worst administration in Caserta's history, emblematic of inefficiency, incapacity, and arrogance." He called for a serious and competent proposal to restore governance in the city.
Marco Cerreto, a local deputy from Fratelli d'Italia, expressed sadness over the dissolution, labeling it a grave matter for the community and the local economy. He questioned why the administration had not acted sooner to address the issues, suggesting a lack of awareness among leaders. Cerreto emphasized the need for a credible alternative for governance moving forward.
Members of the Lega party echoed similar sentiments, stating that the citizens of Caserta are the true victims of years of mismanagement. In a joint statement, they condemned the "failed management linked to power dynamics and corruption," urging a fresh start for the city.
Paolo Falco, the local coordinator for Forza Italia, remarked, "The dissolution of a municipality, especially a capital, is always a defeat. It marks the end of an era, and we will hold our city congress to demonstrate that we are the real alternative for the future."
Angelo Lettera, from the Noi Moderati party, expressed deep concern over the state of the region, stating, "This news deeply affects us and compels us to reflect on our land, which deserves to be free from all forms of criminal infiltration and illegality." He reaffirmed the party's commitment to promoting initiatives that foster economic and social growth within the framework of legality.
Francesco Apperti from the Speranza per Caserta group lamented the decision, calling it a terrible stain on the city. He urged citizens to unite and work harder than ever to rebuild and uplift their community.
Raffaele Giovine, a council member from Caserta Decide, expressed a sense of vindication after a long struggle against a corrupt power system. He stated, "Today, after a cycle of hard opposition, we have the certainty of having fought against a power structure. We must now have the strength to build a Caserta renaissance to free ourselves from the mafia and redeem our land."
Danilo Della Valle, an MEP from the Movimento 5 Stelle, criticized the situation as a deep wound for the city, calling for transparency and integrity in governance. He emphasized the need for a genuine rebirth starting from legality and the courage to turn the page.
The municipalities of Aprilia, Badolato, and Casabona also faced similar fates. In Aprilia, the former mayor Lanfranco Principi, a long-time member of Forza Italia, was arrested in July 2024 during a major anti-mafia operation and will face trial on June 10, 2025. In Badolato, the mayor and other officials were arrested for mafia-related activities, while in Casabona, the mayor was implicated in a political-mafia exchange.
As the dust settles on these significant political upheavals, the future of governance in these municipalities remains uncertain. The extraordinary commissions will have the daunting task of restoring order and trust in local administrations plagued by corruption.
