Rome mayor resigns over expense-account scandal

Rome mayor resigns over expense-account scandal. Ignazio Marino stepped down after a long-running dispute over his city hall expense accounts, following weeks of pressure from within his Democratic Party and opposition groups. In a resignation letter, Marino said it was not an admission of guilt and noted Italian law allows him to rescind within 20 days. Prosecutors opened an inquiry into his use of the city hall credit card, including dinners claimed as official business. The Democratic Party withdrew its support as criticism mounted, and Marino pledged to expose the truth. The affair followed other corruption probes affecting his predecessor and the broader Rome administration, including public works contracts and parking-fine controversies.