ROME - Former Milan prefect Francesco Paolo Tronca has been sworn in as Rome Commissioner to run the city, following the demise of Marino and his council.    

 He had previously resigned on Oct. 12 following an expenses scandal, in which he was accused of spending public funds at restaurants for private family dinners. This resignation would have officially taken effect on Nov. 2. He proclaimed his innocence and continued with his duties, despite losing the support of the Democratic Party and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. 

 Prior to his resignation, Marino had been under fire for months, facing mounting public anger over litter-strewn and pot-holed streets, a failing public transport system and revelations of mafia infiltration of the municipal authority.

 On Thursday, Democratic Party President, Matteo Orfini, called a meeting of the party's 19 city councillors, with Italian media reporting that they had agreed to collectively resign if Marino stays in his post. Since the withdrawal of Marino’s resignation, Deputy Mayor Marco Causi and Alderman Alfonso Sabella have confirmed their own resignations, an indication of tension within the government. However, the party still needed at least six more councillors to force Marino out, which duly was achieved.