Mayors and local administrators committed to sanitizing and cleaning up cities and public facilities. The mayor of Rome Virginia Rages which applauds itself for the sanitation interventions in the capital. But she is not alone.
The Italy of politics, especially that of the local ruling class, is shaken by the slowness with which it has governed the urban environment up to now. We don't put everyone together, evidently, because there are those who have been able to do better than others. But it is probable, as well as desirable, that the coronavirus epidemic will lead to an epochal change of pace. To a political leadership not contrary to the values of the economy, investments, good environmental practices, respect for democratic rules, in the general interest. It's the circular economy, the deal of the century, that we're all arguing about, until we discover that within those elites we have chosen to govern us there are ill-concealed opponents of "unstoppable progress". Theorists of a degrowth – unfortunate they too know it without admitting it – now retracted even by those who disclosed it.
Cities with healthy and cleaner air, therefore without waste. Raggi, De Magistris and others who are sanitizing the streets of their cities these days are among the mayors who turn up their noses when emergencies call for controlled and well-managed treatment and disposal plants. When not everything can be done with separate collection. What is happening in the Chamber in recent weeks reveals a country that does not know how to synthesize universal themes. And yes, because waste is produced all over the world.
A Forza Italia bill is being discussed in Parliament for equipping the country with new plants, given the insufficiency of the current ones. A proposal that mainly looks to the Center and the South, where landfills are still used or waste is taken abroad. Berlusconi's party interprets a widespread need, also known on the left, unfortunately, we must say, asymmetrical to its many souls. And what is the position of the Five Stars, the reference shareholder of Count 2? It's not talked about. Their Hon. Paula Deiana he said that the force proposal contains critical points. Where? On the article "Measures for the construction of waste management plants". That is, on the essential principle of a change necessary in order not to fear other emergencies, saving public money in the long run.
The opposition of a party in government of the country to new infrastructures is clear, as much as the urgency for the mayor of Rome to clean up the city in times of the coronavirus. A panorama spoiled by harmful prejudices which tarnishes that desired change of pace, but which is not yet in the legs of the players on the field. Furthermore, the companies in the sector have pointed out to the government that the provisions published since the beginning of the coronavirus emergency have no reference to waste management. How, then, to give credibility to the six-month green plan boasted by Conte, Costa and by the ministers of the left? Answers that cannot come from citizens already frightened by the effects of a distressing epidemic, but which must arrive in order not to exceed the rhetoric of the country that is more diligent in managing emergencies. You try good politics to ensure clean, waste-free, tidy cities. Italians also appreciate being locked up at home.
