A simple Cabinet reshuffle has degenerated into Italy's latest political scandal, with accusations of Mafia ties and a rare public criticism by the president of Premier Silvio Berlusconi's choice for agriculture minister.
President Giorgio Napolitano swore in Francesco Saverio Romano as agriculture minister on Wednesday, but his office put out a statement saying he had "reservations" since Romano is under investigation for alleged Mafia ties.
Napolitano didn't reject the nomination as a request is pending to shelve the accusations, which have been around for years without Romano being charged.
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Napolitano said he hoped the issue would be resolved soon.
Romano's small party is crucial to Berlusconi's parliamentary majority.
