The traces of the referendum battle can only be read on the faces of the protagonists. In their words the sense of a heated conflict in relation to which, however, 74 percent of the population of the area affected by the merger remained indifferent.
The position of the provincial secretary of the Democratic Party articulated, Vittorio Pecorarowho believes that the project also supported by his party has failed and is calling for a new law: «Thousands of us have spent ourselves with conviction for the Yes to the merger. We did it because we share the dream of a great united city, founded on the university, new avenues, better services and a common everyday life. As the Democratic Party, we have mobilized with commitment, together with our administrators, clubs, allies, social and trade union forces. We did it with unity and determination. However, voting is the highest expression of popular sovereignty, the cornerstone of legitimacy in every democratic system. This is why, now, humility and respect are needed. With the resulting result it is not possible to proceed with the merger. Furthermore, even with a favorable overall outcome, we would not have supported the project if two out of three municipalities voted against it. After the administrative elections in Rende, it will be necessary to open a new table to rethink the proposal. We need to rewrite an organic regional law on mergers, which involves local authorities in a participatory way. I am sure that many friends and comrades from the No committees, who have expressed sincere concerns and not parochialism, will be ready to collaborate, even starting again perhaps from the proposal of a union of municipalities. This result is not the end, but the beginning of something new.”
