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Italy’s Meloni picks new tourism minister in shake-up after referendum

By Thomson Reuters Apr 3, 2026 | 5:40 AM

ROME, April 3 (Reuters) – Italy’s culture undersecretary Gianmarco Mazzi was sworn in on ​Friday as the country’s ‌new tourism minister, the latest change in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government after her defeat in ‌a ​referendum on ⁠judicial reform.

Former television ⁠and entertainment executive Mazzi replaces Daniela Santanche, who is facing trial over accounting charges ​linked to a publishing group she previously owned ⁠and resigned from ⁠her ministry post last ​week under pressure from Meloni.

Meloni ​wrote on her X social ‌media account that Mazzi’s background in the culture and entertainment sector would be ⁠an asset for Italy, posting a photograph of the swearing-in ceremony with ⁠President ‌Sergio Mattarella.

Since last ⁠week’s referendum defeat, Meloni ​has ‌sought to reassert control ​by removing ⁠scandal-plagued figures from her government. Two senior justice ministry officials have also stepped down.

(Reporting by Angelo AmanteEditing by ​David Goodman)