After ten years of Pd administration, at Lazio “it’s time for a change of scenery”. A few days before the vote, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, is certain that the vote on Sunday and Monday will mark a turning point in the future of the region. But the verdict that will come out of the polls will inevitably have repercussions at the national level as well.
Minister Salvini, centre-right gubernatorial candidates are considered favorites in both Lazio and Lombardy. Will it also be a vote of confidence in the government?
“It will be above all a vote to confirm the good governance that characterized Lombardy for decades and to change the air in Lazio, where the left has fared very badly, especially in delicate sectors such as health or waste. So, of course, I like to believe that citizens are satisfied with the work of the national government».
In the Politics of Lombardy and Lazio, the League obtained 13.3% and 6.3%. Research so far seems to confirm these percentages for Regionals as well. Would you be satisfied with confirming these numbers or aiming for more?
“I don’t put limits on myself, the important thing is that the centre-right wins and I’m sure that Liga will get an excellent result”.
Lazio and Roma have problems with far-reaching roots, from rubbish to health care. Why should Rocca be able to solve them?
«Because it is supported by a serious coalition, with a credible program. On the other hand, in other regions the centre-right has demonstrated and demonstrates that it knows how to govern well”.
In your opinion, what is Rocca’s best quality? And if so, can you tell us a defect?
“He’s a man of action, but I admit we don’t get along in football!”
You announced a plan for the security of the stations, what will you do in Termini?
«An extraordinary plan for hiring security guards has started and we are collaborating so closely with the railways that FS Security is already a reality, which aims to improve and rationalize control services at stations. These are concrete results.”
Rome needs major infrastructure in view of the Jubilee and the Expo. Will you be able to open the new Metro C Coliseum stop in 2025 and what other major works are you working on?
«The objective is to run and unlock, the new shopping code that will become law at the end of March has this objective. I am also referring to Roma-Latin, for which we have just appointed a commissioner after years of conversation: they are all choices that demonstrate the determination for the problems to be solved”.
How is the work going with the superintendencies that usually block construction sites in Italy?
“We are collaborating within the government, in case of a stoppage like that of Asti Cuneo we are ready to defeat the opposition by also taking the dossiers directly to the table of the Council of Ministers”.
Oppositions say that differentiated autonomy will penalize Lazio, right?
«They are wrong, because autonomy allows improving services for those who want to assume greater responsibilities. Nothing is taken from anyone, and I remember that before advertising to become secretary of the Democratic Party, Bonaccini was also a staunch supporter.”
Will you finally be able to assign special powers to Rome Capital?
“I am confident. Autonomy means more powers, more responsibilities, more resources and more efficiency also for our capital».
Will the unity seen between you and the other coalition leaders in this election campaign continue after the vote?
«Of course, we work very well with Giorgia and Silvio and the atmosphere in the council of ministers is excellent. The left and its newspapers must resign: we will govern until the end of the legislature».
Will 2023 be the year of flat tax also for those who are employed? And how will it work?
«We are working on a profound and complete tax reform and, with that in mind, by the end of the legislature, we want to extend the flat rate to workers as well. Promises are kept.”
What will you do to avoid the obligations set out in the EU directive on “greenhouse homes”?
«We are going to fight in Europe as we are doing for other delicate dossiers such as gasoline and diesel engines. these are issues on which Italy is right to sell and is having interesting dialogues with other European countries».
After his controversy with Amadeus, Fedez attacked Deputy Minister Bignami. Will you respond?
“No”.
Source: IL Tempo
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
