“The Government and the Region must adopt ad hoc measures. They can no longer be deferred.” The president of CNA Calabria Giovanni Cugliari intervenes on the serious damage caused by the bad weather that has been affecting Calabria in recent days, recalling that with the Bad Weather Decree “partial measures have been adopted, which do not take into account the need for business planning and the imminent arrival of the summer season”.
The unknown tourism and the impact of climate change
“With the winds of war now lashing the Middle East – continues Cugliari – tourist flows will move towards Southern Italy. Our businesses are still having difficulty getting back on their feet after Cyclone Harry and the constant flow of calamitous emergencies that have been hitting Calabria for months does not bode well”.
Insufficient funds: the request for an increase in resources
“As CNA, we have clearly expressed to the government our doubts about some aspects of the Maltempo decree, the timeliness of which we recognize. The sum allocated, 76 million for Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia, is not sufficient to repay businesses for the actual damage suffered. We need – states the president – an increase in resources proportional to the losses suffered which will allow entrepreneurs to get back on their feet and not lose competitiveness”.
Access to credit and non-repayable contributions
“We have highlighted – adds Cugliari – how the uncertainty on the operational framework of non-repayable contributions slows down investments and the restart of businesses: the contributions must be direct. Access to credit also remains inadequate. The activation of the Central Guarantee Fund with one hundred percent coverage, bridge loans of up to 200 thousand euros, long duration (at least ten years) and 24-month pre-amortization are essential”.
Suspension of taxes and need for installments
“We positively evaluate the suspension of taxes, social security contributions, welfare obligations but – he points out – the decree provides for payment in a single solution after the suspension. Instead, an installment plan of at least 60 monthly installments would be appropriate to avoid cash crises for businesses”.
The insurance paradox and the future of the region
“Without forgetting the great mockery of insurance against catastrophe events. An obligation for companies that does not include damage from storm surges, thus preventing our companies from obtaining compensation – concludes Cugliari – Businesses are the backbone of the country, even more so in Calabria they are fundamental for economic and social stability. We expect new measures and strong attention for Calabria”.