Antonio Mirra Enters Caserta Province Presidential Race Amidst Scrutiny of Regional Funding

Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Italy – March 3, 2026 – Antonio Mirra, the current mayor of Santa Maria Capua Vetere, has officially announced his candidacy for President of the Province of Caserta, setting the stage for a potentially contentious election on June 27th. The announcement comes as scrutiny intensifies regarding the allocation of regional funds to companies linked to individuals with close ties to local officials.

Mirra’s Platform and Call for Change

Mirra formally declared his intention to run on May 25, 2025, citing a need for a “strong change of pace and, in some aspects, a clear change of direction” within the Province of Caserta. He emphasized his nine years of administrative experience in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, as well as his leadership roles in regional entities like the EIC and EDA Caserta, as qualifications for the position. He aims to focus on territorial planning, project development and investment, with a strengthened consultative role for the assembly of mayors. He also highlighted the importance of preparing for post-PNRR funding and leveraging European funds for infrastructure improvements, mobility, energy transition, and cultural preservation. Source

Centrosinistra Coalition Backs Mirra

Mirra has secured the backing of a broad centrosinistra (center-left) coalition, including the Partito Democratico (Democratic Party), MoVimento 5 Stelle (Five Star Movement), Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra (Green and Left Alliance), Partito Socialista Italiano (Italian Socialist Party), and Azione. Source

Funding Controversies and Political Dynamics

The candidacy announcement is shadowed by questions surrounding the allocation of public funds. Specifically, a 15,000 euro grant awarded in the summer of 2024 to Artzone, an association founded by Anna Maria Ferriero and her late husband, has drawn criticism. Artzone shared a registered address with Ferriero’s residence. More recently, Ferriero’s partner, Giuseppe Ventrone, owner of Promoservice s.r.l., secured a 36,600 euro contract for the installation of digital benches, financed through a regional program for cultural tourism. Source

The contract, awarded through managerial determination no. 328 of February 11, 2026, falls under line C2.2 of the regional program, dedicated to “digital media for the promotion of cultural sites.” Source

Political Influence and Regional Support

Reports indicate that Gennaro Oliviero, president of the Regional Council of Campania, played a crucial role in securing the necessary signatures to formalize Mirra’s candidacy, providing 192 of the required 198 signatures. The remaining signatures came from various parties, with a smaller contribution from Azione. This highlights Oliviero’s significant influence within the centrosinistra coalition in the province of Caserta. Source

The current acting president, Marcello De Rosa, is also observing the unfolding political landscape.