Italian Republic to join Crans-Montana legal proceedings as a civil party: statement by Palazzo Chigi

The Presidency of the Council of Ministers, through the Office of the State Advocate General (which has in turn appointed a Swiss law firm), has filed a civil claim on behalf of the Italian Republic in the criminal proceedings concerning the fire that occurred in Crans-Montana between 31 December 2025 and 1 January 2026.

This decision is based on the direct damage to the Italian public purse caused by the substantial resources that the National Civil Protection Service mobilised in order to provide the Italian nationals involved with medical, psychological and logistical assistance.

With regard to liability, the civil claim document highlights that involvement of the local authorities in the circumstances leading to the incident is considered highly likely, justifying the firm request for compensation against all civilly liable parties.

The Italian Government will continue to ensure its full commitment to monitoring all stages of the legal proceedings in Switzerland, providing ongoing and transparent information on its initiatives and confirming its full and unwavering support for the families of the victims and the injured, so that light may be fully shed on who is responsible and there can be justice for the serious harm done to the national community.