The honorary consular offices of Italy in the state of São Paulo were created to strengthen the relationship between the Italian community and the consulates. However, in practice, this is not what happens in at least two cities: São José dos Campos and Taubaté.
The addresses listed on the website of the Italian Consulate General in São Paulo lead to a plot of land in a gated community or a tire shop.
The Italianismo report went to São José dos Campos, in the Paraíba Paulista Valley, around 81 km from the capital, to get to know the “agency consolee onoraria“, but the address indicated on the consulate website is a condominium of houses and lots.
Security guards are unaware of the presence of an Italian office on site. “Nothing related to the consulate has ever worked here,” said one of the employees.
Five days ago, Italianismo asked the Consulate General of Italy in São Paulo four questions, but received no answers.
The report sought to find out, mainly, “what was the amount allocated annually to the honorary offices of Rio Claro, São José dos Campos, São José do Rio Preto and Taubaté”, and “what is the role of these honorary consular agencies”.
A reliable source assured Italianism that all honorary offices receive funds for its maintenance.
The website of the Consulate General of Italy states that Marilene Mariottoni (63), an engineer and former councilor of Mogi Mirim for four terms, is the current consular agent. When contacted, she did not respond to our questions until the closing of this publication.
The same scenario happens in Taubaté. In the place where an honorary Italian consular agency should be located there is a tire repair shop.
There, the responsible consular agent is Carmen Lúcia Gaudioso. We were unable to locate her.
Honorary consular agencies They have very limited functions and are managed by people appointed, generally, by regional politicians.
Their role is to expand the consular network as close as possible to Italian citizens, and report relevant events in the community to the consular authorities.
Honorary representatives are not Italian public servants and are not salaried. But they need to be accountable.
This space is open for the people mentioned to express themselves by giving their version of the facts and the text will be updated as soon as they do so.
