Quirinale Criticizes Messina Bridge Anti-Mafia Waivers

Rome: The office of Italian President Sergio Mattarella has expressed criticism over proposed waivers in a special anti-mafia regulation for the Messina Strait Bridge. The waivers were introduced by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini. The Quirinale contends that existing norms are adequate to shield the project from mafia influences, specifically the Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta and the Sicilian Cosa Nostra.

According to Ansa News Agency, the Quirinale press office emphasized that the current legislation already includes stringent anti-mafia measures for projects like the Messina bridge. The proposed regulation would instead implement a special procedure, typically reserved for emergencies or special events, and is not stricter than the existing rules. The office noted that the proposed special procedure includes allowances for exceptions to the Anti-mafia Code, which are not permitted under ordinary rules for significant national projects.

Transport Minister Salvini responded by assuring that parliament would ensure the highest level of anti-mafia protections for the bridge. The construction of the bridge is anticipated to begin by the end of the summer, with completion expected around 2032. Salvini, leading the right-wing League, has taken up the cause of the long-delayed project, following the late ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi.