Naples attendance fee probe triggers transparency demands in Salerno

An investigation into the misuse of municipal attendance fees in Naples has prompted calls for increased transparency in Salerno. In Naples, the Guardia di Finanza is examining irregular compensations paid to councilors since 2016. Allegations include meetings held without proper minutes, remote connections made from bars or beaches, and commissions convened without meeting regulatory requirements. Irregular payments are estimated to reach 1.6 million euros over a five-month period.

The investigation has reached the highest levels of the Naples municipal administration, with the Director General being questioned regarding oversight and reimbursement requests. Following the probe, Mayor Gaetano Manfredi removed ten municipal directors.

In response to these developments, Salerno city councilor Sarel Malan has filed a formal inquiry requesting comprehensive data on the activity of permanent council commissions from the previous term. Malan is seeking documentation on meeting schedules, attendance records, and the specific amounts paid in attendance fees to ensure Salerno maintains verifiable and transparent systems for managing public resources.