The news that in these hours is shaking the Messina political landscape, relating to the system of donations to the party “South Call Nord”, it is not surprising those who have long observed the dynamics of the city administration up close. The Democratic Party says it clearly: “It is not the first time that we raise this theme, but today more than ever its ethical and political scope is evident”. According to what emerged from public documents, numerous professionals, entrepreneurs and even simple citizens would have made donations to the party founded by Cateno De Luca. Regular, traceable donations, allowed by law. But The point raised by the PD is not formal legitimacy, but the substantial opportunity.
The suspicion – underlined in a note released by the party – concerns The coincidence between some names present in the list lists and the subsequent (or contextual) assignment of public positions, roles in the boards of directors of the municipal investee companies or involvement in contracts from the Metropolitan City or the Municipality of Messina. “It will also be a coincidence, certainly accidental – we read – but is it not singular that certain names appear both among the financiers of the party and among the beneficiaries of nominations and paid assignments?”. The reflection is not limited to a technical or legal analysis – for that, it is stated, “there are the competent bodies”. The real knot is ethical: is it right that they are created – even if only apparently – overlaps between those who finance a political party and who is then appointed or contracted by the municipal or metropolitan administration itself? The PD asks for transparency. A deed, according to the dem, not only to the law, but to citizenship: «Whoever administers must respond to the city, not only to their party. The res publica is not an ATM or a reward ».
The final appeal is addressed directly to the mayor Federico Basile: “If he really believes in transparency, clarify with names and surnames such as donors – excluding the elect – currently have, or have had professional or public relations in the past with the Municipality or with the Metropolitan City”. There is not only formal correctness at stake, but the credibility of political and administrative action. The risk, denounce from the Democratic Party, is that the distrust of citizens in the institutions is food, in a context where every border between party and public administration appears increasingly subtle, if not exceeded. “We are sure – the Democrats conclude – that Basile will include how much a clear word is needed to protect its junta and return to politics the sense of service to the community”.