“The newsstands are facing a deep crisis in Catanzaro, a situation that translates into a slow agony for those who, with sacrifice, have dedicated their professional life to this sector. There is simply no talk of the closure of a commercial activity, but of the disappearance of a fundamental point of reference for the community, which has always performed a cultural and social function. The newsstands are, in fact, real service centers, where citizens can carry out daily practices such as the payment of bills or the purchase of tickets for public transport. ” As Eugenio Ricciogroup leader of the League to the Municipality of Catanzarocomments on the increase in the tax for the occupation of public land that affects the newsstands of the city, a decision recently adopted by the mayor Nicola Fiorita.
“The identification of an open newsstand has become increasingly difficult – continues Riccio – and the closure of these commercial establishments involves the loss of an important point of social aggregation. It is not just a place to buy a newspaper, but a space for meeting and comparison for citizens. The city is progressively depopulating these neighborhood places which are an integral part of its social fabric. And, unfortunately, despite the evident difficulty of the sector, the municipal administration seems not to grasp the need to support newsstands, indeed, with yet another increase in the 20%public land tax, it helps to further aggravate the situation. “
“In this moment of crisis for newsstands, instead of putting measures in place that can support their activity and enhance their social role, the municipal administration seems willing to penalize them further. We invite the mayor Fiorita to review this decision, which risks accelerating the disappearance of a fundamental garrison for our community and for our cultural heritage. ” Riccio concludes.