Is Deputy Minister Bignami “rooting” for Forlì airport due to political issues? The mayor of Rimini Jamil Sadegholvaad protests via Facebook: “I am addressing the people of Rimini, of all political orientations. I don’t like making political controversies but what appeared in the newspapers today is truly absurd. It is acceptable that the deputy transport minister Galeazzo Bignami (Giorgia Meloni’s point man in our Region) says that between the airports of Forlì and that of Rimini, that of “Forlì, however, will have another type of opportunity, which is the result of a common perspective and a strong relationship between the current Administration and the Government“? In simple words, since there is a centre-right mayor in Forlì, Forlì passes ahead of Rimini. Is this “master” logic of the institutions acceptable? I don’t think this is the best way for a deputy minister to serve our Italy, and above all I don’t think this is the best way to enhance the territorial vocations of our wonderful country.”
The Fratelli d’Italia deputy Beatriz Colombo replied to Sadegholvaad: “In response to the recent declarations of the mayor of Rimini, Jamil Sadegholvaad, regarding the situation of the airports of Forlì and Rimini, I am forced to point out some inconvenient truths which seem to have been overlooked in the public debate. Mayor Sadegholvaad expressed his doubts about what he perceives as unequal treatment between Forlì and Rimini airports, attributing it to political reasons. In particular, he criticized the statements made by Deputy Minister Galeazzo Bignami regarding the different vision of opportunities for Forlì airport, insinuating that this derives from the political position of the city of Rimini.
You need, however, to remember that the current difficulties of Rimini airport cannot be attributed to decisions or visions of the present Government. The roots of the problem lie in the past when the management of the airport was entrusted to political figures linked to the Democratic Party.
The experience of Aeradria, the previous management company of Rimini airport, is emblematic in this sense, having led the structure not only to bankruptcy, but also to the opening of judicial consequences which still weigh on the reputation and efficiency of the airport today. This management failure, which occurred under the aegis of a ruling class representing the Democratic Party, It falls within a broader context which has seen the Emilia-Romagna region, the province and the Municipality of Rimini, all governed by left-wing administrations, failing to effectively relaunch the airport.
Consequentially, the Rimini airport today finds itself with a significantly lower traffic volume compared to other Italian airports, such as Ancona, Reggio Calabria and Lampedusa, demonstrating a lack of foresight and ability to invest in critical infrastructure for the development of the territory. The responsibilities for this situation must therefore be sought in the past management and in the territorial political choices that have characterized recent years, not in the current actions of the Government or its representatives.
The ruling class of the Democratic Party, which held the reins of decisions relating to Rimini airport, proved inadequate to provide the basis for the efficient functioning of the airport. In conclusion, it is important to address the problems at the root, rather than looking for scapegoats in the institutions currently in government.”
