Reggio Calabria sees surprise visit from Roberta Metsola amid political shifts

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola made an unannounced private visit to Reggio Calabria, where she was greeted by Mayor Francesco Cannizzaro. No official institutional meetings were scheduled during her stay.

In Calabria, political activity is intensifying ahead of the parliamentary by-elections in the Reggio Calabria constituency. The Movimento 5 Stelle has announced its support for Frank Benedetto, a local professional and former hospital director. Conversely, the center-right is facing internal shifts as Domenico Giannetta has left Forza Italia to join Futuro Nazionale, the party founded by former General Roberto Vannacci. Futuro Nazionale has also announced the candidacy of regional councilor Domenico Giannetta.

Meanwhile, the Futuro Nazionale program has drawn attention for its proposal to strictly enforce Article 724 of the Italian Penal Code regarding public blasphemy, suggesting that fines collected could be used for social initiatives. In other regional news, healthcare concerns have been raised in Calabria regarding the 118 emergency service, with reports of uncovered stations and non-operational ambulances in the Reggio Calabria metropolitan area.