«Mayor Gualtieri makes no excuses regarding taxis: if he wanted to use the legislation in force, he could have done so in the two years since he took office at Campidoglio, while the situation was degenerating. If he wanted to improve it, he could have done so as Economy Minister in the left-wing government two years earlier. He had four years to act, as mayor and as minister, but he did nothing.” Thus the Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, responding to the mayor of Rome. «The responsibility for the emergence of taxis in Rome lies exclusively with him, made worse by the disastrous state of public services. If the mayor really wanted to resolve this emergency, he could do so in just 15 days, using the new legislative instrument that allows extraordinary competitions to be held to increase existing licenses by up to 20%, that is, an additional 1,500 new taxis for the capital. Immediately, without any restrictions. The new regulation also provides that taxis are also ecologically sustainable, thanks to the double incentive provided by the Government for the acquisition of low-emission vehicles intended for the service”, he adds.
«In this way, users will be able to benefit from a better, more dignified and environmentally friendly service and, in general, from a healthier city. I also remind Mayor Gualtieri – the minister emphasizes – that our disposition allows us to finally use the second guide, a tool that until now was effectively unfeasible. Now license holders will be able to activate it quickly, eliminating all bureaucratic obstacles and without running the risk of labor disputes. In effect, the nature of the independent employment relationship is clarified, a gap that in the past had limited its application. With the previous rules, only 1% of owners requested dual driving, now everyone will be able to obtain it in a few days. The mayor may also, if he so chooses, in view of the Jubilee and the major events that we hope will characterize the Capital, use the tool that allows the issuance of additional and temporary licenses to those who already hold a taxi license, for a period lasting up to two years. This government has done in just a few weeks what Italians have been waiting for for years. Now he doesn’t waste time.”
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.