The mayor of Bari, Antonio Decaro, has announced that a commission will evaluate the possibility of dissolving the city due to mafia infiltrations. Decaro, who has been under protection for nine years for openly fighting organized crime, expressed concern over recent criticisms and political pressure regarding this issue. He emphasized the importance of not only conducting investigations and legal proceedings against the mafia, but also engaging in social anti-mafia activities as a community.
Decaro recently broke down in tears during a city council meeting, surrounded by citizens who have actively participated in the fight against the 14 mafia clans operating in the area. He described the tears as being connected to the presence of individuals he helped free from the grip of mafia usury, who attended the meeting to support him. Decaro referred to the situation as an “act of war” that requires a legitimate defense of the city, stating that the mafia has been openly challenged by Bari for years. He believes that the decision to send a commission is a political maneuver by the center-right to disrupt the upcoming local elections.
The decision to send the commission was made after recent arrests linked to an investigation revealing a potential political-mafia vote exchange during the 2019 municipal elections. Additionally, the city’s municipal transportation company, Amtab, has been placed under judicial administration for a year due to mafia infiltrations. The Ministry of the Interior will also inspect the Bari Prefecture following a case involving a public official seeking assistance from a mafia affiliate to retrieve her stolen car. Among those arrested are local politicians and councilors, including Carmen Lorusso and Giacomo Olivieri.
Despite criticisms and allegations of targeting local administrators, Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi defended the government’s actions, claiming that it has dissolved 15 municipalities, primarily from the center-right since taking office. In support of Decaro, a rally is planned for Saturday in Bari organized by the Democratic Party and various other associations. The event aims to demonstrate solidarity with the mayor and denounce any attempts to undermine the city’s integrity and the hard work of its citizens in combating the mafia. The gathering is expected to draw a diverse crowd in defense of Bari’s reputation and future.
