Rome corruption leaves Milan as the 'moral capital of Italy,' claims anti-corruption tzar

The claim that Rome has ceded to Milan the title of “moral capital of Italy”, made by the national anti-corruption tzar Raffaele Cantone, has once again set the nation to debating which city is Italy’s defacto capital.

Mr Cantone said that Rome lacked the “antibodies” to fight sleaze, following graft scandals. There are fears, too, that the jubilee year in the official capital will prove an open day for crooked officials seeking kickbacks from the festivities ordered by the Catholic Church to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. But the comments reignited the eternal rivalry between the seat of government and northern financial powerhouse.

Milan is on a roll thanks to striking new architecture and the international attention brought by its successful Export World Fair event.

And with mounting problems in Rome’s public services, pundits and the public alike note that Milan functions with an almost Swiss efficiency in comparison.

L’espresso magazine used the term “Madonnina-mania” – a reference to the gold-plated statue of the Madonna atop Milan’s cathedral – to hail the northern city’s “good government and urban renewal”. Even Rome’s La Repubblica said that travelling from Rome to Milan “seemed like going from black and white to colour”. La Stampa said that in overhauling its Canal district and attracting investment from multinational companies Milan showed it “perhaps is the only real Italian metropolis… not just the moral capital, but the actual capital”.

Rome’s government is in its usual state of crisis after mayor Ignazio Marino was almost forced out after a row over expenses. In contrast, Milan’s golden period has been aided by its amiable left wing mayor Giuliano Pisapia. He will step down after balancing the books, boosting green credentials and creating a more tolerant atmosphere.