To best invest the 2.4 billion of the budget surplus, sums that will be available as soon as the Court of Auditors equalizes the Region’s financial statements, the governor, Renato Schifani, is thinking of “four-five impact measures for Sicily”. «We will not make lakes, rivers or streams. I won’t look anyone in the face, it will be an unprecedented maneuver, thinking about this event next year between July and September, sometimes I can’t sleep. I will obviously ask for advice because I am not an economist, I will make use of consultants free of charge, I know many people. I guarantee you that the bet will not be lost”, said Schifani speaking in front of the hundreds of people – including regional deputies, administrators and leaders of Forza Italia – who this morning crowded the hall of the Astoria hotel, in Palermo, for the Christmas greetings of the President of the Region.
Fi leader Antonio Tajani connected from Turin, while MEP Marco Falcone, blocked on the motorway by an accident near Enna, contacted the audience by telephone. Also listening to Schifani was the former minister Totò Cardinale and some historical figures returning to the party, such as Pippo Fallica, the former deputy Franco Mineo and his son Andrea. «I am taking care of Sicily with great effort and maximum willpower – added Schifani -. The results are there for all to see, I don’t want to make propaganda: the economic data, the rating, the revenues are growing. If there is one thing that is not lacking at the moment it is financial resources, the issue is spending them because there is a cumbersome administrative and sometimes even parliamentary system. I promise you that within a few years Sicily will not only continue to grow but will become a point of reference for national and international investors.”
The president then underlined the three cornerstones of his government action: emergency management (starting with the water and waste crisis), support for the weakest and development. «We are doing more in terms of growth than other regions – Schifani stated proudly with a trembling voice – For the first time Sicily is no longer at the bottom of the country. We are proud and happy.”