Ilaria Bugetti speaks out. "The darkness is on me, not on the city. I haven't betrayed my Prato, and I'll defend myself to the end."

Prato, July 27, 2025 – June 20, 2025, will forever remain in her life's scrapbook. That Friday, Ilaria Bugetti , the resounding mayor of June a year earlier, signed her resignation , which led to the city being placed under special administration . More than a month has passed since her farewell to the city hall.

Ilaria Bugetti has decided to break her silence. To speak to the city.

I decided to accept this interview because I felt it was my duty to make my voice heard, given the role I held, even though I am speaking exclusively about the political aspects of the events that involved me. As you may have noticed, I have preferred to maintain a strict silence regarding the origins, the judicial developments, and the outcome, believing it more appropriate to the delicate nature of the moment and the need for a non-media-driven approach to the defense, and I will continue to do so. These have certainly been 30 days of great suffering, for me and my family, and for the city, but we have begun and are continuing to work through the criminal and administrative courts to convey what I believe to be the truth about my actions.

During the election campaign, at the Politeama he had hoped for a city with light in its eyes, but suddenly darkness fell on Prato.

Darkness has fallen on me, not on the city. We've put many projects on track for Prato, and the Commissioner will carry them forward with seriousness and institutional integrity. He's already demonstrating it. I would have liked to have done it myself, but things turned out differently. It's undeniable how bitter I feel about a political project interrupted too soon. We were building a significant effort to listen and resolve small issues, but also to undertake major projects to give the city a long-term perspective. I'm sure the Commissioner will love this city; the positive signs are already evident. I greatly appreciated his words about the orderly finances and the high level of the municipal system. He's a man of the institutions. I wish him success in his new job and the same joy I've experienced in governing this complex yet beautiful city.

A year ago, the triumph: a landslide victory, a wide field, the first woman to lead the city. Now, her resignation, her city under special administration for the first time.

These have been 12 intense, beautiful, and challenging months, full of adrenaline and, at times, extremely delicate. I felt the burden and honor of that 52% trust in the first round. And I feel it even more now, in this complex moment. It's for them that, as I said, I will defend myself to the very end, and if my defense is effective, it will help me demonstrate that their trust has not been betrayed, that they are with me every day, and that their messages, encouragement, handshakes, and smiles help me persevere and keep going.

During these long days, she often found herself rewinding the film of the last few years. Is it in color or black and white? Are there images that are faded or etched in her memory?

The darkness of these weeks will not dim the bright colors of so many years spent among the people, it will not erase the affection of the people, the strength of their support. I have so many beautiful images imprinted in my mind that accompany me every day. From the many women who saw in me the redemption of women, to the sincere and genuine welcome of the families living in the public housing, from the poems of the young students in our schools to the applause of strangers on the street.

Is there anything you regret?

As I said, I won't delve into the merits of the investigation. Politically, loving one's local area isn't a mistake, and I'll never regret it. Those who serve the public are called upon to provide answers to the community, to find the most comprehensive solutions possible for complex needs, to listen to everyone and then seek a solution that has the common good as its sole objective.

She, the daughter of artisans, has always said that she saw the hard work at home since she was little.

“That's exactly right. Work is essential for the dignity and independence of individuals and families. That's why I started working when I was at university. I sold cosmetic products to my home. It was a job that helped me avoid being a financial burden on my family and helped me understand that every achievement requires hard work. But I can also say that it's wonderful to work for others. Now that I'm no longer mayor, I can't sit at home doing nothing. So I decided to volunteer. Every morning I go to a facility specializing in rehabilitating young people. Working for others is my lifeblood, what gives me the inner strength to face this very difficult time. I can't do without it. Sitting at home crying is not part of my nature.”

Being mayor of his territory. He left his heart in the town hall.

"Yes. Giving it up was incredibly difficult, but given the great respect I have for the republican institutions and the democratic system, it was impossible to do otherwise. The fate of the city and the well-being of its residents come first for me, before my own fate, before my well-being."

Who has been close to you during this period?

My family, my lifelong friends, and also many acquaintances, and I want to thank the lawyers who are at my side. I'm surrounded by all those I love and respect. The rest doesn't matter to me. The affection of so many citizens who write to me and stop me in the street helps me tremendously. Some have already convicted me without a trial, others fill the void with their political arguments, filling it with manure and venom in the belief they can win the votes they never had, and still others pass judgment out of revenge for what they asked for but didn't get. Well, I assure you, there are many more who believe in me and in my innocence. It is for them that I will defend myself to the very end.

Have you read Secretary Biagioni's interview? He proposed stopping funding from businesses. What do you think?

I respect everyone's opinions. However, it's a state law, passed after the elimination of public funding for political parties. It guarantees transparency and oversight. If you think it's wrong, you should raise your objection to Parliament through your party, provided the party secretariat agrees with this stance.

The resignation. Was it your decision or was it recommended?

"The final word was mine. As I said before, I recognized that the conditions were no longer there to move forward, respecting the institutions and the citizens. None of us are glued to our seats."

You attended the last meeting of the Democratic Party leadership, asking everyone for their thoughts and then leading to a collective reflection. Do you think this unfiltered internal reflection can lead to a new era that doesn't erase the past but is more aware of what to do in the immediate future?

“The past can never be erased, otherwise memory is useless; it serves to improve ourselves, to be more aware, to be more solid and credible towards the city.”

In a year, there will be another government in Prato. Have you ever considered this? Will the center-left return to power?

“That's what I hope for.”

The comfort.

"Faith helps me a lot. It strengthens my endurance, my determination to get to the end."

When you turn off the light before falling asleep, what is your last thought?

"I'm thinking about the city. I love it deeply. I've never betrayed it, and I'm doing everything I can to prove it."