European Parliament revokes immunity of MEP Matteo Ricci

The European Parliament has voted to revoke the immunity of MEP Matteo Ricci, following a request from the Pesaro Prosecutor's Office. The decision allows investigators to access and use communications, including chats and emails, between Ricci and his former collaborator, Massimiliano Santini.

The investigation concerns alleged irregular direct awards made by the Municipality of Pesaro during Ricci's tenure as mayor, covering the period from May 2019 to June 2024. The European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee had previously recommended the revocation, noting that the judicial action was not intended to persecute Ricci or interfere with his current political mandate.

Ricci, a member of the Democratic Party, stated that he requested the waiver of his immunity to demonstrate transparency and to accelerate the legal process. He noted that he had already cooperated with investigators by voluntarily depositing documentation and declining a formal hearing to avoid delays.