Rome's Culture Councillor Miguel Gotor Resigns, Succeeded by Massimiliano Smeriglio

Miguel Gotor (born 1971 in Rome) has resigned as Rome's culture councillor, effective October 14, 2024. In a Facebook post, he cited personal reasons—specifically the desire to spend more time with his two daughters aged 8 and 13—and professional reasons, including resuming his university teaching and editorial commitments. He recommended Massimiliano Smeriglio (born 1966 in Rome) as his successor. Smeriglio, a politician, writer, and university professor, was a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2024, where he coordinated the Socialists and Democrats in the Culture and Education Committee and served as Special Rapporteur for the Creative Europe dossier. He previously served as Vice President and Councillor for Training, Research, University, and Program Implementation of the Lazio Region from 2013 to 2019. Among his projects are the Moby Dick cultural hub, the Gian Maria Volonté Film Arts Workshop, and the Pier Paolo Pasolini Arts and Entertainment Workshop. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri also appointed Andrea Catarci as director of the new Office of Purpose within the Cabinet, now called "Giubileo delle persone e Partecipazione," and Giulio Bugarini as Personnel Councillor, with Albino Ruberti taking over Bugarini's former role as head of the secretariat. Ruberti has long been a strong figure in Rome's culture scene through his role at Zètema.