Controversy Erupts as Lodi Water Service President Posts Video of Porsche Hitting 260 km/h
August 24, 2025
LODI, ITALY – Vittorio Codeluppi, the newly appointed president of Società Acqua Lodigiana (SAL), the public water utility in Lodi, Italy, has sparked a firestorm of criticism after posting a video on social media showing the speedometer of his Porsche Cayenne reaching 260 km/h (161 mph). The video, filmed from the driver’s perspective and accompanied by a pop-country soundtrack, has drawn fierce backlash from local politicians and the public, who are calling for his resignation due to the perceived recklessness and inappropriateness of the post.
The Video and Its Fallout
The video, briefly posted on Codeluppi’s Instagram and Facebook accounts before being removed amid the controversy, captured the dashboard of his Porsche Cayenne as it accelerated to 260 km/h on what he claims was a German autobahn near Stuttgart, where no speed limits apply. The black-and-white footage, which appeared to be recorded by Codeluppi while driving, showed the speedometer prominently displayed, prompting accusations of dangerous behavior and poor judgment for a public official.
The Lega (League), a prominent opposition party in Lodi, issued a scathing statement condemning Codeluppi’s actions. “The publication of a video showing a car traveling at 260 km/h, filmed from the driver’s perspective, is gravely inappropriate for someone leading a public company managing a vital resource like water,” said Eleonora Ferri, a Lega councilwoman. The party demanded his immediate resignation, arguing that the video sends a “disastrous message” that could influence young drivers to emulate risky behavior. Giulia Baggi of Fratelli d’Italia echoed this sentiment, calling the video “disgraceful and diseducative.”
Codeluppi’s Defense
Codeluppi, a 53-year-old accountant and former Lodi city councilor under a Democratic Party (PD) administration, defended his actions, insisting no laws were broken. “I was on a German autobahn near Stuttgart, where there are no speed limits. The video clearly shows ‘Stuttgart’ in the bottom left corner,” he told La Stampa. He acknowledged the potential for misinterpretation, stating, “I understand that these images, taken out of context, may cause confusion, but I have no inclination to promote reckless behavior.”
Despite his apology, critics remain unmoved, pointing to the act of filming while driving as inherently dangerous, regardless of the location. Italian media, including Il Giorno, reported that the controversy has fueled calls for accountability, with some labeling Codeluppi’s behavior as “irresponsible” for a public figure.
Political and Public Reaction
The incident has embarrassed Lodi’s PD-led municipal government, which appointed Codeluppi to lead SAL in late July 2025. The Lega and other opposition groups have seized the opportunity to criticize the administration, with comments on X describing the video as “a slap in the face to Lodi’s citizens.” One user wrote, “This is what happens when you put show-offs in charge of public services.” However, these posts reflect sentiment rather than verified evidence and should be treated cautiously.
The controversy also draws parallels to other recent political scandals in Italy, such as a Savona deputy mayor caught driving under the influence, further fueling public frustration with perceived elite misconduct.
Broader Implications
Codeluppi’s actions have raised questions about the responsibilities of public officials in the age of social media. SAL, which manages water services for the Lodi region, is a critical public utility, and the president’s role demands a high standard of conduct. Critics argue that Codeluppi’s video undermines public trust, particularly given the company’s oversight of a vital resource.
The incident has also spotlighted the broader issue of road safety in Italy. While no laws were violated on the German autobahn, filming while driving is illegal in Italy and many other jurisdictions, adding to the public’s outrage. The debate has extended to discussions about the influence of public figures on younger audiences, with some arguing that such displays glamorize dangerous driving.
What’s Next?
As pressure mounts, Codeluppi’s future at SAL remains uncertain. The Lodi city council is expected to address the issue in an upcoming session, with opposition leaders pushing for a formal vote on his removal. Meanwhile, Codeluppi has vowed to cooperate fully and provide any necessary clarifications, but his apology has done little to quell the storm.
The controversy serves as a reminder of the scrutiny faced by public officials in the digital age, where a single post can ignite widespread backlash. For now, Lodi’s water service president finds himself at the center of a heated debate, with his Porsche video driving a wedge between his supporters and detractors.