Italy Government Crisis: Resignations of Delmastro and Bartolozzi

Government Reshuffle as Justice Officials Resign in Italy

Andrea Delmastro, the Undersecretary of Justice, resigned on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, amid scrutiny over his ties to a company linked to a figure with connections to the Senese criminal clan. Following Delmastro’s resignation, Giusi Bartolozzi, the Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Justice, also stepped down after facing criticism for comments made regarding the judiciary. Both officials tendered their resignations after meetings with Justice Minister Carlo Nordio.

Delmastro, in a statement, said he had always fought crime and had acted without wrongdoing, but acknowledged a lapse in judgment for which he took responsibility. “I have always fought crime, even with concrete and important results, and even though I have done nothing wrong, I committed a lightness to which I remedied as soon as I became aware of it,” he stated. Bartolozzi’s resignation came shortly after, with no immediate public statement released.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed appreciation for the decisions of Delmastro and Bartolozzi to resign, thanking them for their dedication. In a statement released by Palazzo Chigi, Meloni also expressed hope that Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè would follow suit, referencing a similar “line of institutional sensitivity.” Santanchè is currently facing legal proceedings in Milan related to alleged false accounting at her company, Visibilia, and is also under investigation for alleged bankruptcy and fraud against the INPS.

Delmastro’s Case Sparks Controversy

The resignation of Delmastro stems from a controversy surrounding his involvement with shares in a company and a restaurant where Miriam Caroccia, the daughter of Mauro Caroccia, a known associate of the Senese criminal clan, also held a stake. The situation drew immediate criticism from opposition parties, who called for his resignation in the days leading up to the recent referendum.

Antimafia Commission to Investigate

The Parliamentary Antimafia Commission is scheduled to meet on Monday, March 30, 2026, to discuss the matter. The Democratic Party’s (PD) group leader in the commission has requested an appearance by Delmastro to provide testimony. Documents from the investigation into the affairs of the Senese clan, which are connected to the case involving Delmastro’s former company, are already in the possession of the commission.

Bartolozzi’s Remarks and Role

Bartolozzi’s departure follows criticism of her remarks during a televised debate on a Sicilian television channel. She had stated, “As long as justice doesn’t brand you, you don’t understand it. I appeal to all citizens who have suffered on their own skin: vote yes and let’s get rid of the judiciary, which are execution squads.” Her role in the handling of the referendum campaign and decisions made within the ministry, particularly regarding the repatriation of Libyan General Almasri, also came under scrutiny.

Vittorio Corasaniti, a magistrate and Deputy Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Justice, will assume the duties of Chief of Staff following Bartolozzi’s resignation. Chiara Fasano, another Deputy Chief of Staff, will also assist in the transition.

Growing Number of Resignations within the Government

The resignations of Delmastro and Bartolozzi bring the total number of government officials who have resigned in recent weeks to five. Vittorio Sgarbi, Undersecretary of Culture, and Augusta Montaruli, Undersecretary for Universities, previously resigned, along with Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano. With the exception of Sgarbi, all of these officials are members of the Brothers of Italy party.