Former minister questioned in investigation involving ex-MP Teresa Manzo

Former Italian minister Stefano Patuanelli was questioned as a witness in a Naples investigation into alleged corruption involving former lawmaker Teresa Manzo.

Prosecutors allege that Manzo supported Dario Vicedomini’s appointment to lead a public body overseeing cooperatives in the Naples area.

They say Vicedomini later hired Manzo’s partner, Alessandro Martino, at the body.

Patuanelli, who signed Vicedomini’s appointment in 2020, told investigators he could not clearly recall speaking with Manzo about it, though contacting local lawmakers about appointments was standard practice.

A former aide to ex-minister Luigi Di Maio said Manzo and regional politician Gennaro Saiello had backed Vicedomini’s appointment.

Martino was hired in 2022 and earned about €1,000 a month until 2024; his pay rose to €1,500 a month in 2025.

A judge must decide whether to order precautionary measures against Manzo, Vicedomini and Martino.