"Fair competitions and no favoritism for electoral gain." The defense of former Macomer mayor Antonio Succu attempted to dismantle the prosecution's case, arguing that "there is no evidence of a patronage system. " Today's hearing was a key one in the "Ippocrate" trial regarding alleged irregular hiring and competitions at ASL 5 from 2014 to 2019, which, according to the Prosecutor's Office, was directed by the former head of Gynecology at San Martino.
Various charges were time-barred, but the charge of undue influence remained, and lawyer Guido Manca Bitti began with the midwifery competition, which "was necessary; it was not possible to draw from other rankings." Regarding the written tests, it was reiterated that there had been no irregularities; "the top spots went to those who deserved it," while the oral exam was held behind closed doors to prevent other candidates from being favored. Acquittal was also requested for the crime of fraud in public procurement due to alleged favoritism through the temporary employment agency.
Prosecutor Marco De Crescenzo also examined the competition for nursing assistants. "Succu would be considered a 'moral competitor' based on the fact that without his approval, nothing would be done at the local health authority. But there is no evidence." The defense cited "inconsistencies in the investigation, contradictory testimonies, and arbitrary interpretations." Finally, lawyer Roberto Olla focused on the nursing competition: according to the prosecutor, Succu allegedly inspired Salvatore Manai (former head of nursing at the operating theater) and Giovanni Piras (former head of healthcare professions) to favor Andrea Dore, then the municipal administrator of Flussio, in exchange for his candidacy for the Partito dei Sardi.
The lawyer recalled that Dore placed 62nd and was an early member of the PDS by choice. The prosecution further maintained that Dore had been appointed provincial coordinator of the party to replace Manai, who was supposed to be a member of the competition committee. However, the defense noted that at the time, the party did not have its own secretary. It was also highlighted that Succu won the Macomer elections twice, but both times with a civic list. "There was no patronage system, but rather a group of doctors who, in those years, managed to elevate Oristano's healthcare system to levels of excellence."
