Galleria Borghese director suspended amid absenteeism allegations; international petition launched

Italy's Ministry of Cultural Heritage has imposed a six-month suspension on Anna Coliva, the director of Rome's Galleria Borghese, following a 2014 anonymous complaint that prompted a judicial investigation into alleged absenteeism. The accusations suggest she did not report absences prior to the Franceschini reform. Critics have labeled the Carabinieri's investigation as inadequate, noting that many absences were later validated as legitimate vacation time. Supporters of Coliva point to her extensive overtime hours. The ministry, led by Secretary General Carla di Francesco, took immediate action without conducting a comprehensive hearing. This suspension threatens significant initiatives, such as the Caravaggio Research Institute, putting Fendi's investment in jeopardy. An international petition on Change.org is calling for the reversal of her suspension.