Ex-Festival boss Pereira: 22 months in prison for probation for embezzlement!

Ex-Festival boss Pereira: 22 months in prison for probation for embezzlement!

San Casciano Val di Pesa, Italien - Alexander Pereira, the former director of the Salzburg Festival and the Florentine Opera House Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, was convicted in Florence. He was imposed on probation 22 months in prison, and this was done in a quick procedure. The conviction is based on serious allegations of embezzlement, with Pereira guilty in two cases. He had spent 24,000 euros from the "Maggio Musicale Fiorentino" foundation without contractually covered, including the move from Milan to San Casciano Val di Pesa. In addition, he was sentenced to the foundation to pay a financial compensation of 25,909 euros and 1,500 euros in damages. Interestingly, however, the court free of charge of the accusation of money.

The public prosecutor had originally called for a prison sentence of four years and four months, since Pereira was suspected of using 35 million euros from a state fund. These means were intended for the recapitalization of opera and symphony orchestras and should be used to strengthen the foundation's assets. According to OE24 , the investigation against Pereira has been initiated under pressure from the right-wing party "Fratelli d’Italia" since 2022. In February 2023 Pereira resigned from his post as director of Florence due to the allegations and has the opportunity to object to the judgment.

claim for compensation

In addition to the criminal consequences, Pereira is also faced with civil law claims. The Italian Ministry of Culture and the Foundation of the Florentine Opera House require compensation of almost ten million euros. This requirement refers to "moral, image and financial loss" that have arisen from the illegal expenses. This was provided in the context of a procedure for embezzlement and emotion, in which the judgment was expected on May 29th.

The allegations that are made Pereira extend far beyond the use of funds. He is also accused of having used the opera house's credit card for private editions that were not related to his official function. Defense strategies claim that Pereira always acted in the interests of the theater and the irregular expenses fell under the artistic freedom.

future of Pereira

The situation around Alexander Pereira illustrates the challenges in the field of cultural management, especially in times of financial uncertainties and stricter controls by politics. The allegations and the complaints raised could have serious effects on his career and dealing with public funds in the cultural sector. It remains to be seen whether Pereira will make use of his possibility to contest the judgment and how this case will affect the cultural landscape in Italy.