«Today we talk about these two and a half years that we lived intensely, not without difficulties, not without some mistakes and with the progressive awareness of someone who for the first time found himself managing a city as extraordinary but complex as Catanzaro». Thus the mayor of Catanzaro Nicola Fioritain the mid-term press conference, an appointment that has also become important on a political level after that in recent days one of the groups that supported the Fiorita majority, Azione, decided to withdraw external support from the municipal administration, making the numbers smaller for the majority.
«Political difficulties – explained Fiorita – have accompanied this experience since its beginning: we won without a majority, albeit by a large margin, but those who started this adventure never backed away, never thought about it. The councilors who were elected on my lists, those who supported me in the run-off, except one, are all here and have accompanied this journey and, above all, have guaranteed a majority and a government for the city. In the past there have been those who – underlined the mayor of Catanzaro – even much more expert than me and of great authority, faced with difficulties who considered it necessary to leave: we were elected, I have never had this temptation. I believe that it is a great honor to work for the city and I also believe that the sense of responsibility consists in ensuring a government for this city that needs it because there are many things that we have started, many things that are about to begin and that they must be given to the city. So let’s move on.”
Fiorita then focused on the balance of the things done in two and a half years but also on future programs: «In these two and a half years we have brought the city of Catanzaro over 56 million euros in financing which by the end of the month, when it will enter in the midst of the Urban Agenda, it will become more than 70 million euros in funding. Then – added the mayor – we did it investments in schools, in nursery schools which will increase by 300%, in aggregation, in the weakest sections of society. Then I wouldn’t just talk about public works but also about respect for the rules, the fight against illegal connections, the fight against tax evasion. Tomorrow in the council we will bring about the demolition of an illegal building: from 2014 to today there have been 700 demolition orders never carried out. And it is clear that making people pay taxes, going to find out who is connected to the water, demolishing illegal buildings also makes enemies. Today – added Fiorita – Catanzaro is much better from many points of view compared to two and a half years ago and we must make the city understand this, this is the main operation. I think our task is to continue this work. The citizens elected us for this and we dedicate ourselves to this.”