Veneto Region, Joe Formaggio accused of harassment by Milena Cecchetto

“He harassed me.” The regional councilor of Veneto, Joe Cheese of Brothers of Italy, at the center of new controversies. This time he is accused of having committed harassing acts against a colleague, the Northern League Milena Cecchetto. The episode allegedly took place yesterday afternoon in Palazzo Ferro Fini, seat of the regional council, during a break in work, in a sofa outside the Chamber. The two would have sat down to talk, but some words and contacts would have come from Formaggio that Cecchetto considered unwelcome, unsolicited hugs and – according to the complaint – real harassment such as groping.

“In my life, politically and personally – declared the Northern League councilor – I have always been able to defend myself. We all know the exuberant character of Joe Formaggio: what happened, however, is unspeakable and unacceptable. I am very disappointed and embittered by a behavior such as: having been colleagues, as mayors before and today as councilors does not justify such aggressive and impetuous behavior. Every woman has her own boundary of respect and sensitivity: today I am baffled because my colleague has exceeded that limit with me “.

The exponent of Fdi, former mayor of Albettone (Vicenza) is known for provocative utterances and attitudes. The last outing dates back to just under a month ago, during a visit to an arms fair in Verona, and he had himself portrayed while holding a machine gun.

Now Formaggio has denied the seriousness of the episode: he admitted that he “pushed” Cecchetto onto the sofa, “but she was calm, I took her place. Then I left, a kiss on the cheek, as always. Harassment? False”.

The President of the Regional Council, Roberto Ciambettiasked the two group leaders for clarifications, Enoch Soranzo for FdI and Albert Villanova for the League. From the latter today came “solidarity and our maximum support to my colleague. What happened – he declared – cannot be tolerated. No one, least of all another colleague, representative of the institutions, can afford to be disrespectful to a colleague. All the more woman, all the more on the day dedicated to women, an important date like that of March 8 “. Full solidarity with Milena Cecchetto also from the party colleagues and the Lega-Liga Veneta council group: “Women’s Day – they underline in a note – is celebrated by respecting the work and dignity of every woman. Above all in gestures”.

Meanwhile Ciambetti has convened the Bureau which will examine the matter. “Beyond any other consideration – underlines the president of the Regional Council – the serious fact remains of a regional councilor who felt offended and harassed, a victim, like too many women, of unacceptable behaviors that violate every ethical norm, rules of civil coexistence and mutual respect that are the basis of our community. On a personal basis, I express my closeness and solidarity with my colleague”.