A political earthquake has hit the Italian judiciary. Andrea Delmastro, deputy justice minister, has resigned, while the justice minister's chief of staff, Giusi Bartolozzi, has also been removed from office.
Delmastro's resignation came after revelations of his business ties with Miriam Caroccia, the daughter of Mauro Caroccia, a convicted boss of the Senese mafia clan. According to reports, Delmastro had opened the "Bisteccheria d'Italia" restaurant with her and several leaders of the Fratelli d'Italia party.
Meanwhile, Giusi Bartolozzi was removed from office due to controversies related to the management of the referendum campaign and her harsh statements towards the justice system, including the phrase "execution squad" against magistrates.
In a public statement, Delmastro said he had submitted his irrevocable resignation, stressing that although he had done nothing illegal, he had committed a "negligence" for which he takes responsibility.
Within the Fratelli d'Italia party, the publication of several photos showing Delmastro with Mauro Caroccia has raised concerns that further revelations may emerge. Meanwhile, in parliament, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio is expected to provide explanations on the matter during a question-and-answer session.
