Italy's Privacy Watchdog in Crisis: Allegations of Political Pressure Spark Mass Resignation Calls

The mass resignation of Italy's privacy watchdog commission, stemming from allegations of capitulation to governmental pressure, signals a potential defeat for independent oversight in the country. This claim was articulated by Sigrido Ranucci, the presenter of the Rai investigative program "Report," who himself is under scrutiny following a hefty fine imposed for violating the privacy of former culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, a member of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing Brothers of Italy party. The fine, estimated at 150,000 euros, has raised significant eyebrows, particularly as "Report" contends that the privacy commissioner—one of four nominated by Italy's major political parties, including the left—yielded to pressure exerted by Meloni's sister, Arianna, to impose this record financial penalty. Elly Schlein, leader of the center-left opposition Democratic Party (PD), has demanded the mass resignation of the privacy watchdog in light of these alleged conflicts of interest and the apparent political coercion delineated by Ranucci's program. Meloni, however, has countered that it is not the government's prerogative to dismiss the commissioners who were appointed by parliament, suggesting that perhaps the PD and its ally, the Five Star Movement (M5S), should have chosen their representatives more judiciously when the commission was initially assembled under a PD-M5S administration. When asked whether the resignation of the Privacy Authority would amount to a significant victory, Ranucci responded emphatically: "A major defeat." He expressed these sentiments while appearing on the Rai Radio Uno program "Un Giorno da Pecora." The investigation by "Report" has unveiled what Ranucci describes as an ongoing anomaly within Italy's governance structure, highlighting the ease with which politicians can manipulate authority for their convenience. He emphasized that this represents a pressing concern, one that severely undermines press freedom in the nation. Ranucci further advocated for parliamentary action to approve legislation aimed at safeguarding freedom of the press, arguing that maintaining oversight of the funding allocated to these authorities is an essential step toward fortifying their role and enhancing the landscape of information dissemination in Italy. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2