Turmoil hits Italy’s Ministry of Culture as Minister Alessandro Giuli revoked the appointments of Emanuele Merlino, head of the technical secretariat, and Elena Proietti, his private secretary. The dismissal decrees are apparently ready, but no official response has been received from the ministry. Merlino's dismissal is thought to be related to the issue over the denial of funding for a documentary on Giulio Regeni, which Giuli himself described as "unacceptable". His departure is even more surprising given his close ties to Palazzo Chigi and rumors that he could be appointed undersecretary of Culture. Proietti’s situation appears different: she reportedly missed a recent ministerial trip to the United States.