Italian opposition rocked by scandal

A scandal rocked Italy’s main opposition party on the eve of a nationwide primary designed to select a new leader and relaunch the party’s sagging fortunes.

The case centres on widespread media reports that a video shows centre-left politician Piero Marrazzo in the company of a transsexual in a Rome apartment.

Four policemen have been arrested for allegedly attempting to blackmail the 51-year-old Mr Marrazzo, and an investigation is under way.

The video has not been publicly seen and officials have not confirmed its existence.

Mr Marrazzo was quoted as saying in Italian newspaper La Repubblica that “the video is fake” and that he is the victim of a smear campaign.

However, bowing to mounting pressure, he said he was stepping aside from the high-profile job of governor of the Lazio region, which includes Rome, and leaving his responsibilities to his deputy.

Mr Marrazzo said in a statement that the move paved the way for his full-fledged resignation.

“It’s a personal case in which weaknesses that have to do with my private sphere have come into play,” Mr Marrazzo said in the statement.

“The mistakes I have made have in no way interfered with my public activity.”

However, he added, the situation has become of such public significance that his staying on was “inappropriate”.

The governor, who is married and has three daughters, said he always had his family’s best interest in mind.