Matteo Salvini considers commissioner for Sicilian highways

Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini is evaluating the possibility of appointing a commissioner to oversee urgent structural works on Sicilian highways. This potential move follows a meeting between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and Luca Sammartino, the Vice President of the Sicilian Region.

Salvini expressed dissatisfaction with the Consorzio Autostrade Siciliane (CAS), stating that the entity failed to implement necessary interventions on the A18 and A20 motorways within a 100 day deadline. The proposed commissioner would not take over the entire management of the highways but would instead focus specifically on accelerating safety repairs and unblocking construction projects using existing regional resources.

The Minister emphasized that this initiative aims to support rather than diminish regional autonomy. Political reactions have been mixed, with some officials supporting the move due to safety concerns and delays, while others characterized the Ministry's intervention as being too late.