New arrivals at home South calls North. Among the topics that will be addressed in the press conference called for this morning in the oval room of Palazzo Zanca, with the evocative name (“The path to Messina 2027-2032 begins”), there is also the presentation of a new city coordinator, who should be assigned the task of following the organizational processes in view of the electoral campaign which, in Cateno De Luca’s intentions, will have to start as early as the beginning of 2026. This is Maria Fernanda Gervasi, coming from Forza Italia, where in particular he carried out a political career alongside the undersecretary Matilde Siracusano. Gervasi was a councilor of the fourth district, coordinator of Forza Italia Giovani and, in the 2022 elections, a candidate with Ora Sicilia, the list that referred to Luigi Genovese.
The first two symbols have also been launched in view of the future electoral campaign which in fact “starts today”. The first confirmation is that Federico Basile will be the candidate for mayor again in 2027. There will be five lists. There will also be South calls North, true Sicily and I Love Messina.
Maria Fernanda Gervasi spoke about her choice: “Forza Italia is the party that saw me grow. We are in a phase of great fluidity of people and parties, but it’s not just that. Ideology is one thing, wanting to do something for the territory is another. There weren’t the conditions to be able to give my contribution, today yes, but it’s not a real separation, and I don’t rule out collaboration, I also remain emotionally linked to Forza Italia and Matilde”.
Cateno De Luca also clarifies the choice on Basile: “Today we put an end to this discussion, De Luca will always be there, but Basile is mayor and he will be the mayor. Whoever wants to ally with us, welcome, we have no prejudices, but one theme is clear: the center of gravity of the planning are Federico Basile, Cateno De Luca, South calls North. We dictate the conditions. Will we vote in 2027? Nothing is taken for granted, we are opening a phase at a regional and national level that can have further effects. In the meantime, we’re moving forward.”
De Luca continued: “We will propose a special law on the Bridge for the city of Messina. We will have the draft ready within 15-20 days and we will talk with all the national parties. The mayor has already sent a letter to Minister Salvini asking for a control room that aligns the Municipality and Region with the Ministry and Strait of Messina. It is clear that Messina will not be able to suffer inconveniences for ten years without compensation”.