Italian mayors reject controversial road and waste‑incinerator plans

Mayor Francesco Cagliuso of Caulonia in Calabria addressed the regional council, urging rejection of the ANAS‑proposed variant of State Road 106 Jonica. He argued the planned route would devastate the local citrus plain, isolate inland villages and lack functional links to historic centres. Cagliuso and a coalition of nearby mayors proposed an alternative “mid‑coast” alignment that preserves agriculture, reduces length and cost, and better connects the region.

Mayor Gian Luca Zattini of Forlì‑Cesena terminated discussions with energy firm Hera over a request to raise the capacity of the Coriano waste‑to‑energy plant from 120,000 to 150,000 tonnes a year. Citing safety, environmental protection and the absence of public interest, Zattini declared a “total preclusion” of the project, stating that without regional support the initiative would not proceed.

Both officials framed their opposition as protecting local communities and the environment against projects they deem harmful or unnecessary.