Mayors to the rescue and ready to oppose government cuts, even if they are friendly. The loudest ovation in the room of 5 thousand Anci administrators (apart from Mattarella) was obtained by the governor Alberto Ciriowhen he proposes to reserve the office of parliamentarian only to those who have been mayors or city councilors.
But the strongest phrase against the maneuver which will subject the Municipalities to new sacrifices comes from a Melonian, the president of Anci Piemonte Davide Gilardino. «Today it is no longer conceivable to support further cuts in current spending, because it would really put fundamental services to citizens at risk» he says from the Lingotto stage.
After having recalled that “the Government has brought us greater revenues in the last three years on issues such as social services, disabled transport and nursery schools” but also that “in the last 10 years the Municipalities have contributed to the containment of public spending with almost 14 billion plus another 6 from the doubtful debt fund.”
The reference is to the figures reeled off a few minutes later by Gaetano Manfredi, who in the morning, as expected, had been elected national president of the association. The mayor of Naples recalls the expected cut of 740 million for the current part in the period 2025-2029 and a mandatory provision of 1 billion and 350 million in the same years. In addition to the forecast of staff turnover at 75%.
Requests that the Head of State Sergio Mattarella himself, celebrated as always, somehow supported by recalling that “the Municipalities are virtuous” and hoping for “a fruitful dialogue” with the Government.
Cirio, who is usually a magician at getting in tune with the surrounding environment, instead recalls his current experience as a municipal councilor in Cravanzana, in Alta Langa. He speaks of the need to keep schools open, even with very few pupils like in Ceresole Reale “otherwise a municipality closes”.
And he draws thunderous applause from everyone by saying: «I think it will be a good day when someone in Italy decides that to be a parliamentarian you must first have been a city councilor, a provincial councilor, a mayor for at least one day. Because it is only there that territorial attachment develops, it is only there that you understand the relationship with the citizen, which is fundamental.”
The mayor doesn’t talk about cuts Stefano Lo Russonew vice-president of Anci with responsibility for community policies, but presses and agrees with Manfredi on the fact that it is necessary to change the relationship between the State and the Municipalities. «The mayors are authentic heroes, especially in some areas, because they take on responsibilities that go well beyond those foreseen and without any protection: for example, when it comes to insurance coverage they are left alone», a game that he will also support as representative of the Pd mayors in the national secretariat. Another proposal is to review the supply chain of European funds, so that Municipalities can have a direct role in management. Lo Russo will meet Fitto soon.
In the meantime and for another two days Turin will enjoy the stage of the Anci assembly. «We have received a lot of compliments from the administrators, there will be tens of thousands of people who will frequent Turin around this assembly» says the mayor. Yesterday there was the official dinner at Ogr.
Then in the next few days “many will frequent the city’s restaurants” he assures. «I gave a few references and a few names of places to the various mayors and administrators who asked me for them».
#Mayors #Meloni #FdI #trenches #cuts #municipalities
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**How can the proposed changes to the State-Municipality relationship, as outlined by Mr. Lo Russo, be effectively implemented to ensure accountability, transparency, and equitable distribution of resources at the local level?**
## World Today News Interview: Mayors Speak Out
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing the concerns of Italian mayors regarding government cuts impacting municipal services. We’re joined by two esteemed guests: Davide Gilardino, President of Anci Piemonte and a vocal critic of the proposed cuts, and Stefano Lo Russo, newly appointed Vice-President of Anci with a focus on community policies and a proponent of reforming the State-Municipality relationship.
**Section 1: The Weight of Austerity**
* **Mr. Gilardino, you’ve stated that further cuts to current spending would put fundamental services at risk. Could you elaborate on the specific impacts these cuts would have on citizens and the communities you represent?**
* **Mr. Lo Russo, while acknowledging the challenges posed by budgetary constraints, you advocate for a shift in the relationship between the State and Municipalities. How do you believe this change can alleviate the burden on local governments and ensure the sustainability of essential services?**
**Section 2: The Mayor’s Perspective: Experience Meets Policy**
* **Mr. Cirio shares a compelling anecdote about his experience as a municipal councilor, highlighting the critical role of local governance in preserving vital services like schools even in sparsely populated areas. Is there a disconnect between the understanding of local needs at the national level versus the ground-level reality experienced by mayors?**
* **Mr. Lo Russo, you’ve proposed strengthening the role of Municipalities in managing European funds. How would this empower local communities and ensure funds are allocated efficiently to meet local priorities?**
**Section 3: Seeking Solutions, Fostering Dialogue**
* **Both of you have stressed the need for improved communication and collaboration between the Government and Municipalities. What specific steps can be taken to ensure these voices are heard and considered in the policy-making process?**
* **Mr. Gilardino, you’ve called for a change in the criteria for becoming a parliamentarian, suggesting a requirement for prior experience as a local official. Do you believe this would lead to a more representative government with a deeper understanding of the needs of the citizenry?**
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
* **Despite the challenges, both of you express optimism about the future of Italian Municipalities. What inspires this optimism, and what positive changes do you envision for the relationship between national and local government in the years to come?**
**Closing**
We thank our guests for sharing their valuable insights and perspectives. This discussion underscores the crucial role of Italian Municipalities in ensuring the well-being of citizens and the need for continued dialogue and cooperation between national and local governments to build a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
