Francesco Spano resigns as cabinet chief of Italian Ministry of Culture after ten days

Francesco Spano has resigned as Capo di Gabinetto (cabinet chief) of the Italian Ministry of Culture just ten days after his appointment by Minister Alessandro Giuli. Spano cited a hostile climate and personal attacks in his resignation letter. The controversy stems from two main issues: first, a 2017 incident when Spano was director of UNAR (National Anti-Racial Discrimination Office) and approved a €55,000 grant to Anddos, an LGBTQIA+ association, which sparked criticism from far-right groups including former senator Simone Pillon and Pro Vita e Famiglia. Second, an upcoming episode of the investigative program Report (airing October 27, 2024) is expected to reveal that Spano's partner, Marco Carnabuci, served as legal consultant and data protection officer at MAXXI while Spano was secretary general of the museum. Carnabuci's consultancy was reportedly renewed even after Spano returned as secretary general in 2022 under Giuli's presidency. Former MAXXI president Giovanna Melandri defended the hiring process, stating Carnabuci was recommended by Federculture in 2018. Giuli expressed solidarity with Spano, condemning the 'monstrous' climate but accepted the resignation. The affair has been described as a settling of scores within Italy's right-wing factions and raises questions about Giuli's management of the ministry.