Milano Cortina: Salvini's right-hand woman investigated over Olympic cable car works

An investigation into the troubled construction of a cable car for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has expanded to include a high-ranking official within Italy's Ministry of Transport. Elisabetta Pellegrini, described as the right-hand person to Minister Matteo Salvini and the coordinator of the ministry's technical mission structure, has been named in the probe.

The inquiry, conducted by the Public Prosecutor's Office of Belluno, centers on the awarding of contracts for the Apollonio-Socrepes cable car in Cortina D'Ampezzo. This infrastructure project, deemed strategic and controversial, remains incomplete. Pellegrini's name emerged alongside other officials, including the CEO of Simico, Fabio Massimo Saldini, and the CEO of Graffer, the company that won the bid.

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The investigations will confirm the full legitimacy of all acts.

Minister Salvini has defended Pellegrini's "commitment," expressing confidence that the investigation will confirm the legitimacy of all actions taken. The primary charge under examination is "disturbed freedom of public tenders." The project itself has been plagued by difficulties, including geological instability and escalating costs, leading to significant delays and the substitution of the cable car with shuttle buses for accessing ski slopes.

According to the prosecution's hypothesis, there are suspicions of collusion or fraudulent conduct aimed at favoring the Graffer company through direct contract awards. Simico has pledged full cooperation with investigators, while Saldini has asserted that he clarified all contested points during his testimony, denying any privileged relationship with Graffer. The unfinished cable car was intended to transport spectators to slopes where athletes were expected to compete, highlighting the project's significance and the impact of its delays.

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I have fully clarified what was contested to us and answered everything that was asked of me.