Francesco Roberti, the President of the Molise region, is currently facing serious allegations of corruption linked to a wide-ranging investigation by the Direzione Distrettuale Antimafia (DDA) of Campobasso. According to various reports, including one from Repubblica, Roberti is implicated in several infractions surrounding the trafficking of waste between the region of Puglia and Molise. The charges also involve dubious practices related to employment and contracts orchestrated through his various political roles.
The investigation has led to the conclusion of preliminary inquiries involving Roberti and 46 other individuals, with the results formally notified in recent days. This extensive inquiry, which spans activities from 2019 to 2021, covers allegations of extortion, illicit waste trafficking, and rigged bids, shedding light on questionable connections between organized crime in Puglia and Molise.
For Roberti, who is affiliated with Forza Italia (Italy's Forward party), this investigation casts a shadow over his political career, raising questions about the integrity of public officials. Reports reveal he allegedly accepted money and other benefits from the technical director of the company Energia Pulita (Clean Energy), which sought favors from the municipality he oversees as mayor of Termoli. This bribery is suggested to have secured advantageous contracts for the company.
"La vicenda in questione non riguarda il mio ruolo da Presidente della Giunta Regionale del Molise, è per attività precedenti alla mia elezione. Mi preme precisare come da parte mia ci siano stati sempre comportamenti corretti e rispettosi della legge," Roberti stated. This translates to, "The matter at hand does not concern my role as President of the Regional Council of Molise; it pertains to activities preceding my election. I want to clarify my conduct has always been correct and respectful of the law." Roberti asserted his intention to collaborate fully with the judicial authorities to clarify any doubts surrounding his actions.
The criminal accusations suggest Roberti’s alleged misuse of power during his tenure from 2020 to 2023. His roles as the president of the Province of Campobasso and as the mayor of Termoli have come under scrutiny, as he is believed to have engaged directly with companies seeking contracts from the local government.
The DDA's inquiry links Roberti and his wife, Elvira Gasbarro, to claims involving fake job appointments and other professional engagements set up to benefit them financially. Although the specifics of their charges differ from those stemming from organized crime activities involving other suspects, there is still serious concern about the intertwining of public office with organized crime.
Continuing through the investigation, both Roberti and his wife are facing separate trajectories. Their roles within the wider inquiry signal significant ramifications not only on their personal lives but also for the perception of public administration integrity. The 100-page provisional report details numerous instances of extortion, drug trafficking, and management of hazardous materials, with various elements intertwining to represent the growing challenges faced by regional law enforcement.
Roberti has expressed his resolve to clear his name. "Sono pronto a fornire alla magistratura tutte le necessarie informazioni utili - prosegue - a fare luce su ogni aspetto, affinché sia fatta piena chiarezza," he added, meaning, "I am ready to provide all necessary information to the judiciary to clarify every aspect, so full clarity can be achieved." He stressed his commitment to maintaining compliance with legal standards and expressed confidence in the judicial process.
The conclusion of the investigation, signed off by prosecutor Nicola D’Angelo and assistant prosecutor Vittorio Gallucci, promises thorough examinations of all implicated parties. While Roberti’s case is considered separate from other organized crime allegations, the broader inquiry poses significant risks to the political stability and public trust toward local governance.
Despite the serious nature of the investigation, Roberti remains committed to continuing his duties as president. “Continuerò a svolgere il mio lavoro con la massima serietà e serenità - conclude Roberti - Come sempre, nutro piena fiducia nel lavoro della magistratura,” he reaffirmed, which translates to, “I will continue to carry out my work with the utmost seriousness and calm – I always have complete faith in the work of the judiciary.” His statements reflect optimism and commitment even as investigative proceedings continue to take shape.
This investigation highlights the pervasive issues of corruption and accountability within public institutions, prompting concerns about the health of governance standards across Italy, particularly among regional leaders like Roberti. With local elections approaching, the outcome of this inquiry could significantly influence the political climate and public sentiment toward those governing.