Mantua Mayor Mattia
Palazzi of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) has been placed
under investigation for allegedly demanding sexual favours in
exchange for funding a local cultural association, police said
Friday.
The PD mayor is accused of asking a female representative of
a local cultural association for sex, in exchange for municipal
funding, the Gazzetta di Mantova newspaper reported.
Palazzi denied the charges, saying "I have never asked for
favours from anyone, abusing my role as mayor."
The PD official said "I know that lady but there was never
anything private with her.
"In the end the town council only awarded the patronage of
one of the association's events".
Palazzi's alleged accuser, whom the Gazzetta spoke to but did
not identify, denied reporting him on Friday.
"I never made any move against Palazzi," said the woman, the
vice president of the cultural association.
"Indeed, I go further: if false accusations come out against
him I will defend him".
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