Boccia unveils bid for Confindustria

(ANSA) - Rome, February 8 - Campania businessman Vincenzo Boccia on Monday presented his bid to lead industrial employers' group Confindustria when current president Giorgio Squinzi steps down later this year. Boccia, the second candidate to enter the race, was unanimously tapped last week by Confindustria's small-industry chapter. Bolognese industrialist Alberto Vacchi last week presented the first candidacy to replace Squinzi, telling a three-strong panel of 'wise men' of his intention to run. The recently appointed panel will now vet the two bids to see if they fulfill a set of criteria. The Italian media has been full of speculation about other possible candidates.
    Businessman Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone is said to be among the contenders along with Mediaset board member Gina Nieri and Giuseppe Pasini, former president of Federacciai, which represents iron and steel companies based in Italy.
    Other names on the rumoured list include Sicilian builder Giuseppe Catanzaro, Marche lighting company chief Adolfo Guzzini, Giorgio Marsiaj, Luca Moschini and Valentino Vascellari.
    Three names will be shortlisted before the president is finally chosen in March, to be installed at the end of May as Squinzi's successor.