Italy, dismissed the council, mafia ties

City Council to Reggio Calabrias, in southern Italy, is dismissed, as was suspected mafia ties to announce officials.

The move came after some councilors suspected of having strong ties with Ndrangheta criminal organization.

Officials said it was the first time the entire government of a provincial capital was fired on suspicion of links with the mafia.

Three commissioners will run the city for 18 months, until the next election.

"Mayor Demetrio Arena and all the councilors, who were 30 people, were removed to prevent any" mafia spread "in local government," said Italian Interior Minister Annamaria Cancellieri.

In the past, the administration of the smaller towns are distributed for similar reasons.