Giovanni Toti Resigns Amid Corruption Probe

Giovanni Toti, the centre-right governor of Italy's Liguria region, has resigned following his arrest related to a corruption investigation that began in May. Toti is accused of accepting over 70,000 euros from a businessman in exchange for political favors concerning port contracts and building permits, allegations he denies. His resignation, communicated in a handwritten letter, has stirred controversy among his political allies, who claim that the investigation undermines democratic processes. The ruling League party criticized the judiciary, asserting that Toti's arrest represents an attempt to subvert the popular vote. The investigation has also implicated Paolo Emilio Signorini, former head of IREN, who lost his position due to the probe. Toti's resignation has triggered calls for new elections within three months to allow Ligurians to choose their leadership afresh.