Ricci, 24 hours after the investigation notice, was met with applause and chants: "If they think they can intimidate me, they don't understand what I'm made of."

Fermo, July 23, 2025 – Less than 24 hours of silence after the video in which he announced he had received a notice of investigation in the Affidopoli case, the investigation into alleged irregularities in foster care in the Municipality of Pesaro. Shortly after 5:00 PM, Matteo Ricci , a Democratic Party MEP and center-left candidate for governor, announced on his social media profiles that starting at 5:30 PM, he would be attending a meeting organized by Progetto Civico with other local administrators at the Hotel Royal in Lido di Fermo . The meeting, introduced by Rome City Councilor Alessandro Onorato, was on the topic of "Changing the Marche region improves Italy."

Ricci received a warm welcome ( video ), filled with hugs, chants, applause , and handshakes. A message circulated in the chat rooms of center-left parties calling for activists and supporters to rally to welcome Ricci in the hotel parking lot. No sooner said than done. Around 200 people were there, ready to welcome and support him.

Matteo Ricci received a warm welcome in Lido di Fermo, the day after he announced he had received a notice of investigation as part of the investigation into public procurement in Pesaro (photo by Zeppilli).

"Yesterday was a special day," Ricci began. "I received a notice of investigation for the matter involving contracts for the creation of murals, work on the helmet dedicated to the great Valentino Rossi, and some celebrations starting with the Palio dei Bracieri. This is what we're talking about. It then emerged that some of these works were awarded to a friend of my former colleague. He had told us that the contracts were in order, I waited for the investigation to develop and for this reason yesterday I considered myself completely extraneous to the matter. Never once have I dared to tell a manager to let so-and-so work. Never. In fact, the notice states that 'Ricci has not received any financial benefit,' but rather the benefit of visibility and consensus from the city . I have always trusted my collaborators; for 15 years of administration, nothing has ever happened. If one of my former collaborators made mistakes, what do I have to do with it? If someone made a mistake, I am an injured party in this matter, as is the Municipality of Pesaro. For this reason, I I am calm, I have always administered with full transparency, for me honesty and seriousness come first. If anyone on the right thinks they can intimidate me with this affair, they don't understand what I'm made of." Thunderous applause and chants of 'Matteo, Matteo'.

"We have spoken to Matteo Ricci, who has already declared himself completely innocent of the disputed facts. We naturally have faith in the work of the judiciary and hope this matter will be clarified as soon as possible. We are confident that he will continue as a presidential candidate in the Marche region, and the Democratic Party is ready to support him in the election campaign," said Igor Taruffi, head of Organization in the Democratic Party's national secretariat .

"Full confidence in Ricci" also comes from the regretful regional Democratic Party (PD) Chantal Bomprezzi: "The Democratic community of the Marche region stands with him." "I express my personal and political support to Matteo Ricci, whom I spoke with last night and who has already clearly stated his complete non-involvement in the disputed facts. We have full confidence in the judiciary and hope that this matter will be resolved as quickly as possible. The Democratic community of the Marche region is united and at Matteo's side: we will continue the path that sees him as a candidate for regional leadership, with determination, transparency, and team spirit." So says Chantal Bomprezzi, regional secretary of the Democratic Party of the Marche.

"Matteo Ricci absolutely must move forward: he has our support, and we believe he must continue his electoral campaign to give the Marche region new impetus and strength after the failed Acquaroli era," said +Europa Secretary Riccardo Magi, speaking to reporters in front of Montecitorio.