Mayor Sala`s Stance and Councillor Tancredi`s Departure
During a City Council meeting, Milan Mayor Beppe Sala affirmed that all his actions have consistently been in the interest of the city`s residents. He confirmed his intention to remain in office, citing broad support, while Councillor Giancarlo Tancredi resigned.
Milan Mayor Beppe Sala has confirmed he will not resign from his post. However, Councillor Giancarlo Tancredi, embraced by his colleagues upon entering Palazzo Marino`s council chamber, has stepped down. The decision regarding the sale of San Siro stadium to Inter and AC Milan has been postponed until September. These were the key outcomes of a critical afternoon at Palazzo Marino, addressing three crucial issues for the city and its two major football clubs.
Mayor Sala`s Statement
In his address, Mayor Sala quoted his father, saying, “Do what you want, but remember I will be watching you, and I would want to be sure that you are doing your duty thoroughly.” He reiterated his commitment to continuing his mandate, stating, “Everything I have done has been based on the interest of the citizens. No action of mine has been for my personal advantage. My hands are clean.” This statement clearly refers to the urban planning investigation, for which the Milan Public Prosecutor`s Office has requested house arrest for six individuals, including Urban Planning Councillor Giancarlo Tancredi, former Landscape Commission President Giuseppe Marinoni, and a prominent Italian real estate developer, Manfredi Catella. Sala himself is among the 74 individuals under investigation.
Sala and the Future of San Siro in September
Regarding San Siro, Sala made only a brief reference in his speech: “In September, we must restart the stadium-related process to meet deadlines.” This confirms previous indications. The Municipality of Milan, along with Inter and AC Milan, intends to proceed with the sale of the stadium to the clubs for €197 million, with the Municipality contributing to some expenses. The critical deadline is November 10th, the day the architectural restriction on the second tier will come into effect. By this date, the deed of sale must be completed; otherwise, Inter and AC Milan will be forced to pursue alternative projects, with AC Milan`s plan in San Donato being the primary option. The process will resume in September, allowing two months to secure approval from the Milanese Junta and (the most delicate step) the City Council, before completing the financing process with banks.
The Councillor`s Resignation
The most concrete outcome of this Monday afternoon was the resignation of Giancarlo Tancredi, the Councillor for Urban Regeneration. He stated: “I have submitted my resignation today – a deeply painful decision. Regarding my non-involvement in any wrongdoing, I can only defer to the judicial authorities; my work has always been guided by ethical and moral values that have always been recognized in me. My conscience is clear.” This unfolded in a rather tense atmosphere, marked by accusations exchanged between the majority and opposition, with dozens of citizens and protestors gathered outside Palazzo Marino, and the Local Police confiscating small signs and a couple of masks brought by citizens into the council chamber.
