Raggi Claims Credit for Restoration Funded by Usmanov, Sparking Controversy

Virginia Raggi, mayor of Rome, celebrated the completion of the restoration of the Sala Orazi e Curiazi at the Musei Capitolini on Facebook, praising it as an example of passion for art and love for the city. However, the restoration was funded by a €2 million donation from Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov, secured by former mayor Ignazio Marino in 2014-2015. Marino had obtained an initial €500,000 in December 2014, followed by an additional €1.5 million after a meeting. Raggi and her Five Star Movement party had previously criticized Marino for a €3,500 dinner with Usmanov, using the receipt as evidence of wasteful spending, which contributed to Marino's resignation. Marino was later acquitted of any wrongdoing. The contradiction has drawn criticism on social media, with users accusing Raggi of hypocrisy. Marino questioned whether Raggi has secured any international donations for Rome.