Rome prosecutors have opened a probe
into the plan to build a bridge across the Strait of Messina
connecting Sicily to the Italian mainland after a complaint was
presented by opposition lawmakers.
The complaint was filed on February 1 by centre-left Democratic
Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein, Nicola Fratoianni of the Italian
Left (SI) group and Green MP Angelo Bonelli.
It regards "planning and implementation activities" for the
bridge.
Premier Giorgia Meloni's government has revived the project to
build what would be the world's longest suspension bridge, which
had been long delayed due to funding issues as well as fears of
mafia infiltration and graft, and seismic and environmental
concerns.
Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, who has
said the bridge will cost no more than 12 billion euros spread
over 15 years, blasted the opposition politicians for filing the
complaint that triggered the probe.
"Only in Italy is it possible to wage a political battle over a
bridge, a motorway, or the TAV (Turin-Lyon high-speed rail
link)," said League leader Salvini.
"The bridge over the Strait is needed to unite millions of
Sicilians (with the rest of Italy), pollute less and travel
faster.
"The Democratic Party made a complaint to the prosecutor's
office because we want to build a bridge, which it is the right
of millions of Italians to have".
When asked about the likelihood the bridge would be build, from
zero to 100, he replied "100".
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