John Elkann

The decline in Stellantis's Italian production, temporary factory shutdowns and employment concerns caused an ongoing political dispute over the group's strategy. In 2025, vehicle production in Italy fell by approximately another 20%, with passenger car production reaching its lowest level in several decades.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

The sale of GEDI's principal assets, including La Repubblica to Antenna Group and La Stampa to SAE Group, prompted opposition from unions and journalists concerned about the break-up of the group, job losses and risks to editorial independence.

State of the evidence

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Directly implicated

John Elkann and his brother and sister have been involved in a long-running inheritance dispute with their mother Margherita Agnelli concerning succession agreements and Marella Caracciolo's estate. In April 2026, a court in Thun dismissed an action brought by the Elkann children for lack of jurisdiction and ordered them to pay approximately CHF 1.7 million in costs and compensation.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Directly implicated

The Turin investigation concerns alleged tax irregularities linked to Marella Caracciolo's actual residence and estate. John, Lapo and Ginevra Elkann paid approximately €183 million in 2025 to settle the administrative aspect; the criminal cases concerning Lapo and Ginevra were subsequently closed, while proceedings against John continued. The rejection of a proposed probationary arrangement in February 2026 led to a request for trial and a preliminary hearing.

In October 2024, Elkann declined an invitation to testify before the Italian Chamber of Deputies' Productive Activities Committee concerning Stellantis. Chamber President Lorenzo Fontana described bypassing Parliament as a serious act, and several political figures criticised the decision.

State of the evidence

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Directly implicated

The Italian government conditionally authorised Stellantis's sale of a majority stake in Comau to One Equity Partners. The conditions notably required preservation of manufacturing operations, central functions, R&D and employment in Italy.

State of the evidence

Documented

La Repubblica's editorial committee called a two-day strike, denouncing serious publisher interference in a supplement connected with Italian Tech Week, with alleged mixing of editorial and commercial content. Journalists directly challenged owner John Elkann over editorial independence.

State of the evidence

Alleged

FCA Italy obtained a €6.3 billion loan from Intesa Sanpaolo, with an 80% guarantee from public agency SACE. The transaction prompted debate over the use of a state guarantee for a multinational group with an international corporate structure.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Directly implicated

The creation of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles moved the new group's registered office to the Netherlands and its tax residence to the United Kingdom, although Fiat had historically been identified with Turin. This structure fuelled debate in Italy over national ties, employment and taxation.

Attribution

Directly implicated