«Reggio Calabria needs to be defended from those who are trying to split Italy». This was stated by the leader of the Democratic Party in the Senate Francesco Boccia, speaking in the city in support of the centre-left mayoral candidate Domenico Battaglia.
Proposals on differentiated autonomy are in the dem exponent’s sights. «Calderoli’s insistence on the “Spacca Italia” is of recent hours and we have already reiterated that we are strongly against it. I expect a word from Cannizzaro and Occhiuto, because the time for pretenses is over.”
Criticisms of autonomy and services
Boccia pointed the finger at the government majority, speaking of a “shameful pressure” on crucial issues such as public transport, healthcare, schools and social assistance. «The objective – he said – is to obtain the approval of the agreements for Lombardy, Veneto and Piedmont. If it happened, it would mean circumventing what has already been blocked by the Constitutional Court.”
Harsh words also on a political level: «The people of Reggio must know that by voting for Cannizzaro they are voting for the betrayal of Calabria. His proposals make me shudder.”
Support for Battaglia
According to Boccia, Battaglia’s candidacy represents “a choice of security and administrative continuity”, capable of opening “a new season” for the city and for the centre-left.
The candidate himself underlined the value of the vote also from a national perspective: “It will be an opportunity for the city, in synergy with a government which, we hope, will be of the same political color in a year.”
Attack on the government
Boccia also criticized the action of the executive led by Giorgia Meloni: «We were hoping for a discussion on wages and services, but the only table proposed was on the electoral law. It is a government obsessed with managing power.”
Finally, the appeal: «Calderoli must be stopped by the people of Reggio and Calabria, as well as by all Italians who believe in national unity and in state intervention on people’s real needs».