Italian Justice Undersecretary Andrea Delmastro is facing strong political pressure after revelations of contacts with the family of a person convicted of mafia crimes.
The controversy erupted after a photo from 2023 was published showing Delmastro in a restaurant with Mauro Caroccia, a person ultimately convicted of mafia crimes in an investigation related to the Camorra clan Clan dei Senese.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni came to Delmastro's defense, describing his behavior as "light" but adding that it did not mean he had collaborated with people linked to the mafia. She said she would speak personally to the undersecretary and that, if there were more serious elements, justice would follow its course.
Other ministers and figures from the majority also came out in support of Delmastro, including Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Senate President Ignazio La Russa, who declared that "no one has ever resigned just for a photo."
Meanwhile, the opposition has reacted strongly. Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte and Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein have called for Delmastro's resignation, accusing the prime minister of protecting him.
Schlein stated that Meloni should have requested his resignation immediately, while the opposition calls the issue "very serious", especially given the fact that it concerns a senior official of the Ministry of Justice who appears in the company of persons linked to the mafia.
Meanwhile, several Italian magistracy organizations have also described the issue as "very serious," while political pressure on the government continues to grow.
