This is the biggest scandal to break in the Italian capital since the “Clean Hands” corruption case of the 1990s. According to prosecutors, many skyscrapers built in Milan in recent years were built in violation of the law: even with a simple affidavit instead of a building permit. In other words, as if it were a simple renovation of small buildings.

It all started when a seven-storey apartment building was constructed in a narrow courtyard, and a group of residents decided to fight back. Work on dozens of buildings was halted and a judicial investigation was launched.

According to the Italian press, it was discovered that building modern “towers” in Italy’s financial capital required only the approval of the municipal committee responsible for environmental protection. No details, no in-depth verification of the compatibility of the project and no creation of the necessary infrastructure in the surrounding area. But members of that municipal committee, it turned out, were architects who were directly connected to the city’s largest construction companies. According to the judges, there was “systemic corruption” and the city “had been subordinated to the private interests of a small group of individuals.”

The mayor is involved

So far, 74 court summonses have been signed, the main charge being that of corruption. Mayor Beppe Sala announced yesterday that he is not resigning, claiming that “his hands are clean.” According to the judges, he allegedly supported businessmen promoting their private interests through the city and was linked to lobbying for certain projects.

However, the majority supporting the Meloni government, which (together with the centre-left Democratic Party) approved in parliament a law proposal aimed at legalising the “oversimplification of procedures” for the construction of buildings over 25 metres high, is also directly involved in this whole affair. The whole project eventually fell through and the Senate approval was never given because in the meantime, the scandal broke and investigations began.

Everything on the altar of profit

At the same time, the prosecution’s work also concerns the architectural plans for the construction of the new San Siro stadium. According to La Repubblica newspaper, private individuals who had great access to the corruption system had begun lobbying to secure high-value projects throughout the surrounding area.

Citizens who had made large down payments to buy homes in state-of-the-art skyscrapers have been left homeless after construction sites have been seized. In a city that remains Italy’s most expensive in terms of housing. According to many analysts, this is a megalopolis that has “now lost its soul”, with powerful politicians and businessmen who have chosen to sacrifice everything on the altar of profit.