Parma, Dec 23 (LaPresse) – Mattia Missiroli, mayor of Cervia in the province of Ravenna, has decided to resign from his post as mayor. The decision follows news that he is under investigation on allegations of abuse against his wife. “In the beginning, I hoped to be able to immediately clear up any doubts as soon as I had access to the case files, which at this stage of the investigation is still not technically possible. To date I have not received any formal notifications, I have not been summoned and I have not been able to view any documents. Despite this, I have read in the media reconstructions, accusations and judgements already formed. I have learned from the press of statements attributed to me, I have seen my loved ones suffer and I have read cursory evaluations about me, my life and my role. Evaluations probably born of the frenzy of media times, but far removed from a guarantee-based approach and therefore profoundly unfair. A process which, once set in motion, has shown all its harshness and irreversibility, dismantling a person piece by piece, wounding relationships and leaving room for a narrative far removed from the truth of the facts,” reads a statement released by the municipality. “I have always held my head high. I owe this first and foremost to my children, from whom I draw the strength to face this moment with dignity, even when one wonders what more must be endured and what must further be called into question. I love this city deeply. Being elected mayor of Cervia by my fellow citizens has been the greatest honour of my public life. I have given everything for this city, often putting everything else in the background, in the belief that the general interest should come before anything else. I have done so with authenticity, consistency, determination and in keeping with the values I believe in. Precisely for this reason, today I feel it is my duty to take a step back. At this time it would not be possible to deal with such a complex situation with the necessary clarity of mind, nor to guarantee the calm that the municipal institution deserves. For these reasons, with deep sorrow and once again reiterating my total estrangement from any episode of mistreatment or violence, I will submit my resignation as mayor of Cervia.”
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