Salerno Mayor Vincenzo Napoli Resigns, De Luca Hints at Return with Strong Stance on Security
Salerno, January 16, 2026 – Vincenzo Napoli, the Mayor of Salerno, officially tendered his resignation during a municipal executive meeting held on Wednesday morning, January 16. The decision, communicated first to his assessors and later to trusted city councilors, marks a pivotal moment in Salerno’s political landscape, widely interpreted as a strategic maneuver to clear the path for the anticipated return of former Campania Governor Vincenzo De Luca to the mayoral office.
Mayor Napoli, who also served as the President of the Province, conveyed his decision to step down from both roles. Following the inauguration of the newly elected Provincial Council, he effectively handed over the reins to his deputy, Giovanni Guzzo of the Democratic Party. Napoli subsequently returned to the Municipality to formally protocol his resignation, stating in a letter that “new political scenarios have emerged that necessitate radical changes and renewed propulsive and design impetus.” Speaking to journalists, he further elaborated, “Substantial modifications to the political references and framework have occurred, which demand certain reflections.”
De Luca’s Immediate Assertions and Security Proposals
Within hours of Napoli’s resignation, Vincenzo De Luca, in his customary weekly address, began to speak as if already the mayor. Beyond his usual warnings to his successor in the Region, Roberto Fico, and direct attacks on his new adversary, Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, De Luca immediately focused on urban security and decorum.
“We must address security,” De Luca declared, unveiling his initial proposal for specialized municipal police units. He highlighted an incident where he found a refrigerator discarded on a sidewalk, stating, “I found a refrigerator on a sidewalk – left by a scoundrel. We are reviewing CCTV footage to identify and fine him. This is part of the commitments we must undertake: playtime is over. It’s better to start acting as civil and responsible people in Salerno.”
De Luca then introduced a new priority: tackling issues related to foreign nationals and crime. “For some time now, I have been frequenting my city,” he insisted. “On benches, there are bands of intoxicated and drug-addled foreign nationals. Many times, we face dangerous individuals. We need specialized patrols. Not two agents, but 4 or 5. In fact, ten. Special forces for repression. To be used also and especially to suppress the crimes of ‘maranza’ (a derogatory term for young delinquents). Agents who must know the territory and the habits of these people. And they must be given a financial incentive to be part of these units: even 300-400 euros more per month in salary.”
Political Implications and Upcoming Elections
The timing of Napoli’s resignation, just months before the spring municipal elections, underscores the political calculations at play. The move is widely interpreted as a strategic facilitation for De Luca, who has a strong political base in Salerno, to reclaim the mayoral position.
The political maneuvering has not gone unnoticed. Angelo Agrippa of FI (Forza Italia) has raised concerns, suggesting “piloted resignations in Salerno to re-elect De Luca,” and has called for intervention from the Democratic Party (Pd) and ANCI (National Association of Italian Municipalities), emphasizing that “the Municipality is not private property.”
Meanwhile, De Luca’s strong rhetoric against his political opponents, including his successor Roberto Fico and Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi, whom he accused of fostering a “P2-like climate” in Naples where “everything is hidden,” indicates a combative approach as he prepares for a potential return to power in Salerno.
The upcoming municipal elections are expected to be highly contested, with De Luca’s re-entry into the race adding a significant dynamic to the political landscape of Salerno.
Source: Corriere del Mezzogiorno
