Meloni’s government sign agreement to build the controversial Messina Strait bridge. The bridge would be the longest suspension bridge in the world.
Premier Giorgia Meloni stated the necessity of courage in realising the government’s ambitious plan to construct the world’s longest suspension bridge across the Messina Strait, linking Sicily to the Italian mainland.
Addressing the long-delayed and contentious project on Friday, she remarked, “The government’s plan to build the world’s longest suspension bridge across the Messina Strait to link Sicily to the Italian mainland would be impossible for those lacking the courage to make it real.”
Read: The myth of the Strait of Messina
During the signing ceremony between the government and the Calabria Region, Meloni underscored the significance of the project, stating, “Among the funds for Calabria there are the (initial) €300million earmarked by law for the construction of the bridge over the Strait of Messina. What many like to say will never be done, it is impossible. I am convinced that ‘impossible’ is the word used by those who have no courage and no desire to work because for those who have courage and desire to work, things get done.”
“Full steam ahead!”
Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, responding to a complaint filed by the opposition Democratic Party (PD) and Green-Left Alliance (AVS) arguing for the project’s halt due to alleged transparency issues, expressed confidence in the bridge’s realisation, asserting, “The bridge would be built and would be ‘the pride of all’.”
Salvini went on to criticise opposition parties, stating, “The No party is shameless: they do not win at the ballot box, and so they use the courts trying to stop a work that will bring work, development, and growth to Sicily, Calabria, and the whole country.” He reiterated his commitment to the project, declaring, “Let the left get over it: the bridge will be built, and it will be a boast for the whole of Italy. Full steam ahead!”
Salvini recently highlighted the government’s 2024 budget, which provides over €10billion of finance for the project, dismissing doubts regarding its feasibility.
Despite long delays due to funding issues, concerns about mafia infiltration and corruption, as well as seismic and environmental considerations, the government has revived the project to build what would be the world’s longest suspension bridge. Salvini has estimated the total cost to be no more than €12billion spread over 15 years.
