Sicilian highway management faces calls for state takeover

Debate is intensifying regarding the future of the Consorzio Autostrade Siciliane (Cas) and the management of Sicily's highway network. Former regional infrastructure assessor and MEP Marco Falcone has proposed the commissioning of the entity and the potential transfer of the highway network to the Italian State.

Falcone's proposal follows observations from the Ministry of Infrastructure, which requested urgent risk mitigation interventions on the Palermo-Messina and Messina-Catania routes. He suggested that if the Cas cannot achieve governance free from local interests and position rents, state control may be necessary to address maintenance deficiencies and investment delays.

Regional deputy Pippo Lombardo has called on the Sicilian regional government to clarify its strategy regarding the concession and the future of the entity. While not ruling out a transfer to the state, Lombardo emphasized the need for a clear management model to ensure the safety, efficiency, and maintenance of the A18 and A20 highways through immediate dialogue between the Consortium, the regional government, and the Sicilian Regional Assembly.