The President of the Council Giorgia Meloni had a busy day, with stops in Molise and Basilicata to sign agreements for development and cohesion between the Government and the respective regions, a step towards enhancing infrastructure and economic development. In Potenza, before meeting with local institutions, she spoke with journalists about the upcoming European elections, emphasizing the importance of unity within the center-right majority. Meloni highlighted the need to avoid division within the center-right as it would only benefit the left. She also addressed the importance of the agreement signed, ensuring that funds for development and cohesion will not be wasted but directed towards the citizens.
Meloni expressed gratitude to local institutions for their cooperation in signing the agreement. She highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating that a substantial portion of development funds were not reaching the regions when the current government took office. The agreement aims to allocate approximately 900 million euros to a region with great potential, enabling it to compete effectively and harness its resources. Meloni emphasized the importance of aligning this agreement with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Pnrr) to ensure a comprehensive strategy for national development without any cuts to healthcare funding, emphasizing the need to spend all resources effectively.
The President of the Council also provided insights into Italy’s economic situation, noting positive signs indicating a desire to overcome challenges and improve employment figures. She emphasized the need for unified efforts to steer Italy in a positive direction, away from being lagging behind other G7 nations. Meloni dispelled misinformation about cuts to hospital funding, clarifying that adjustments were made to funding sources to ensure projects progress as planned. She reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritize essential areas amidst limited resources to drive sustainable growth and progress.
In Molise, Meloni signed the Development and Cohesion Agreement with the President of the Region, Francesco Roberti, allocating around 445 million euros for various projects across ten sectors. The agreement focuses on infrastructure development, economic growth, and social advancement within the region. Meloni praised the collaborative effort between the Government and the region to address disparities and ensure strategic allocation of resources to foster growth. She highlighted the importance of ensuring funds are effectively utilized to bridge gaps and enhance opportunities for the residents of Molise.
Reflecting on Italy’s rich cultural heritage, Meloni emphasized the need to support and preserve local museums and cultural sites in Molise with the allocated funds. She reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting cultural heritage and boosting infrastructure to enhance tourism and economic growth in the region. Meloni also addressed the allegations against Minister Piatendosi in Bari, denouncing the accusations as baseless and expressing support for the Minister’s actions. She clarified that the inspection ordered by the Ministry of the Interior was a routine procedure and not indicative of dissolution, underscoring the importance of fair assessments in governance and administration.
