The League party in Italy has announced the candidacy of its treasurer, Alberto Di Rubba, for the vacant seat in the Veneto 2 constituency, which was left unoccupied by newly elected governor Alberto Stefani. Di Rubba has been embroiled in a complicated judicial case since his arrest in 2020, an event which seems to have been influenced by politically motivated investigations involving the former deputy commander of the Financial Police, Pasquale Striano. Striano is currently on trial in Rome related to dossier leaks targeting the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto.

Di Rubba's legal troubles stem from accusations of financial misconduct, including inflating the value of property and misappropriating 180,000 euros through fraudulent invoices. These accusations were made public through various investigative reports, often fueled by leaks and a network of involved parties in the legal and governmental systems. Notably, the alleged inflated property valuations have been disputed by expert analyses from the Prosecutor’s office, pointing towards the possibility that the charges against him are baseless.

The political implications of Di Rubba’s candidacy are significant, especially given his history as a purported victim of politically motivated investigations. By positioning himself as a candidate who has faced persecution, he may resonate with voters who are wary of the political establishment. This development is seen as a direct challenge to political opponents and could potentially reshape the dynamics within the League as it seeks to distance itself from past controversies while still advocating for its principles in a changing political landscape.