Lotti and Tiziano Renzi acquitted in the Consip case: the latest updates on the trial
In a surprising turn of events, former minister Luca Lotti and Tiziano Renzi, father of Italy Viva leader and former prime minister Matteo Renzi, have been acquitted in the trial stemming from the Consip investigation. The judges of the Rome tribunal made this decision after more than 3 hours of deliberation. Alongside Lotti and Renzi senior, six other defendants were also acquitted. These include former parliamentarian Italo Bocchino, entrepreneurs Alfredo Romeo and Carlo Russo, Carabiniere Emanuele Saltalamacchia, who was the commander of the Carabinieri in Tuscany at the time of the events, Filippo Vannoni, former president of Publiacqua, and Stefano Massimo Pandimiglio. On the other hand, Carabinieri Gianpaolo Scafarto was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months, while Alessandro Sessa received a 3-month sentence.
The charges brought against the defendants included false claims, influence trafficking, attempted extortion, favoritism, forgery, and disclosure of secrets. On December 22nd, prosecutor Mario Palazzi had requested eight convictions and two acquittals in relation to the central procurement of public administration. Lotti had been facing a sentence of one year in prison, the same as Bocchino. The Rome prosecutor’s office also requested a sentence of 2 years and 6 months for Romeo and 5 years for Russo. For former NOE officer Scafarto, a sentence of 1 year and 10 months was requested, while for Colonel Sessa, a 3-month sentence was requested. The charge of tampering with evidence was dropped for both of them.
Former General Saltalamacchia was also facing a conviction (1 year in prison), as was Vannoni (1 year). On the other hand, Renzi senior and Pandimiglio were both seeking acquittal. During the closing arguments, the prosecutor had acknowledged that the “axe of prescription” would fall on this trial. “A trial,” Palazzi reminded everyone, “destined more for history than for justice, as many of these crimes will be affected by the statute of limitations.” Gianpaolo Scafarto and Alessandro Sessa, Carabinieri who were serving in NOE at the time of the events, were also condemned to pay a provisional sum of €50,000 immediately enforceable to the Ministry of Defense.
Lotti: Moving forward with my head held high, I’ve endured seven difficult years
“These have been seven and a half difficult years that I wouldn’t wish upon anyone. Seeing myself falsely accused on the front pages, even by those who should have been my ‘colleagues,’ it’s not easy. Nonetheless, it turned out well, and I’m moving forward with my head held high. I’m satisfied,” commented former Sports Minister Luca Lotti. “This affair has taken a toll on me personally. Politics comes and goes, but civic engagement is something I have pursued for 10 years, from when I started as a municipal councillor to my role as minister. Today, I’m doing something else, but I haven’t left politics. I can look many people in the eye who have accused me or made comments about me over the years. Finally, there is closure,” Lotti added.
“In the Democratic Party, I am a simple member. I haven’t agreed with many choices made by my party. Many party members who may have seen me as a problem in the past can reconsider their stance today. As for my decision not to run for office, I have always said that I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to be a scandal for my party, and today I have proven it. I will send today’s verdict to all members of that assembly where I spoke and uttered these words in August 2022,” Lotti concluded.
In conclusion, the acquittal of Luca Lotti and Tiziano Renzi in the Consip case has brought relief to the defendants after years of legal battles. The trial, which involved various charges related to corruption and abuse of power, has highlighted the complexity of the Italian justice system. While some defendants have been convicted, the acquittal of high-profile figures such as Lotti and Renzi senior raises questions about the credibility of the accusations brought against them. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how this verdict will impact the political landscape and the future of those involved.
