Florence Montedomini public housing dispute

In late July 2026 former prime minister Matteo Renzi publicly criticised the current administration of Florence’s public‑housing assets, accusing Mayor Dario Nardella of allowing private leasing that generated large profits. Renzi urged mayor‑elect Sara Funaro to investigate and hold officials accountable, while trade unions called for a comprehensive social‑housing plan, an inventory of assets, and a new metropolitan housing agency. A few days later the Florence city council opened a debate over the future of the Montedomini public‑housing authority (ASP). Councilors split between those seeking an overhaul of ASP regulations by October and a faction demanding the removal of Luigi Paccosi, the president of Casa Spa and former Montedomini official. The majority reaffirmed strong support for Mayor Funaro and stressed the need to recover vacant municipal homes and lease them solely for social purposes. On 27 July the ruling majority remained divided, with the Avs‑Ecolò group pressing for Paccosi’s dismissal while another bloc pushed for regulatory reform. Council leaders reiterated confidence in Funaro’s mayoralty and pledged proposals on asset recovery and leadership restructuring in the coming weeks. By 30 July the ASP board faced a new controversy after dozens of its properties were listed on short‑term tourism platforms such as Airbnb. The board, temporarily led by Marco Uccello, claimed the rentals complied with existing rules but announced a review of the 2018 regulatory framework and engaged legal counsel. Opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and Fratelli d’Italia, demanded explanations from Mayor Funaro and called for his resignation, while prosecutors opened an investigation into the alleged misuse of public housing assets. Later that day Mayor Sara Funaro rejected accusations of wrongdoing, stating the short‑term rentals pre‑dated the city’s ban and were therefore lawful.