“Consuming cocaine is not a crime. I’m staying in my place»- Corriere.it

I fell, but I’m already on my feet. I still need some time. I signed a declaration of temporary incapacity to the prefect. At the end of the summer he will return to the Municipality, with more enthusiasm, with more strength than before.Samuele Lippi, 52, computer and electronic expert, Pd mayor of Cecina, a town of 50,000 inhabitants, does not resign. A few days ago the carabinieri stopped him near a wood frequented by drug dealers. He had purchased half a gram of cocaine for personal use. The news began to circulate and the mayor made an outing on social media. He apologized to his wife, two children aged 14 and 16 and to the citizens. He is said to be a tough guy, an excellent politician. They wanted to nominate him for the Senate, he preferred to be mayor.

Thinking of resigning?

Absolutely not. I have not committed any crimes, the law permits the possession of a modest quantity of drugs for personal use. I am not an addict, I have no addiction.

How often did he take cocaine?

When I was under stress, at least twice a week. I started a few years ago and I was wrong but the limited use of the drug has never compromised my intellectual faculties and I have never been a slave to substances. I am a free man, as I have always been in politics.

How did your fellow citizens take it?

I was amazed by the hundreds of messages of affection and esteem. I received solidarity even from people I didn’t know. And then by politicians, across the board, from the right to the left. I thank my majority and the regional secretary of the Democratic Party, Emiliano Fossi.

Someone has written that those who use drugs and buy drugs from drug dealers cannot be mayor. What does he answer?

That I was wrong to take small amounts of cocaine to overcome moments of overtime work, but that I am not and have never been a slave to drugs. I have been taking small amounts of drugs sporadically for years and everyone acknowledges that I have managed well. Despite this, I have decided not to use substances anymore. Without me Cecina would be seriously damaged.

For what reason?

The town hall would be a police station and we would risk losing the Pnrr money and destroying very important projects such as the port. My city would lose, and I can’t afford it. I had a problem, now I solve it and come back. However, no one has so far asked for my resignation.

What hurts you the most?

To risk being considered a criminal even though I haven’t broken the law. My wife’s anguish makes me sick. I am devastated by my children’s suffering when they ask them what their father did. Media hell has been unleashed for a personal weakness that has not affected the government of the city.

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