Milan, January 17 – Milan Mayor Beppe Sala has laid out stringent requirements for the city’s next Security Assessor, a position he currently holds. With the pre-Olympic period looming, Sala emphasized the urgent need for a candidate who can hit the ground running, stating, “There is no time to allow newcomers to learn; either we find someone who can start working immediately, or I will continue to do so myself.”
Experience and Local Knowledge: The Core Requirements
The Mayor further elaborated on the ideal candidate’s profile: “We are discussing names, but there are two key characteristics for the role: knowledge of the city and proven experience.” This statement comes amid ongoing discussions within the city council regarding the vacant position.
Tullio Mastrangelo Emerges as a Potential Candidate
For several days, a name has been circulating that perfectly matches the Mayor’s description: Tullio Mastrangelo. Mastrangelo served as the central director of Security for the Municipality from 2006 and as commander of the Local Police from 2009, roles he held under both Letizia Moratti and Giuliano Pisapia’s administrations. His ability to work across political divides stemmed from his commitment to operating “only as a security technician, dedicating all efforts to the professional aspect,” as he once told the Corriere.
When contacted yesterday afternoon, Mastrangelo confirmed that he had been approached for the role. “Yes, the hypothesis has been presented to me, and my availability has been requested,” he stated. Regarding his response, Mastrangelo added, “I would certainly be ready and honored to return to work for Milan, offering both my decade of experience on city security issues and the skills acquired in the exceptional working group that was the Expo Team, led by Mayor Sala, which managed the preparation and then the Expo semester in 2015.”
Political Tensions and the Need for “Discontinuity”
The search for the new assessor is unfolding amidst political tensions within Palazzo Marino, particularly due to the Democratic Party’s (Pd) call for “discontinuity.” Mayor Sala, however, defended his approach: “It’s not a matter of being angry. I must think about defending my work and the future of the city. I do not dispute that things need to change, but we need to find solid, feasible, and credible programs.”
Alessandro Capelli, metropolitan secretary of the Pd, commented on Mastrangelo’s potential nomination: “Did we reject Mastrangelo’s name? No, it was never proposed to us.” There is a faction within the coalition that opposes Mastrangelo, citing his brief tenure as assessor in Arona in a Lega-led council in 2018. However, Mastrangelo joined that administration as an external, technical figure to replace a resigning assessor in the small town where he resided. The former commander of Milan’s traffic police has never been involved in politics or participated in any electoral competition.
The Urgency of the Pre-Olympic Period
The Mayor’s emphasis on immediate readiness is directly linked to the upcoming Olympic Games. The city faces significant security challenges and logistical demands in the period leading up to such a major international event. The new assessor will need to quickly grasp the complexities of Milan’s security landscape and implement effective strategies without a lengthy learning curve.
Challenges and Expectations for the New Assessor
The chosen individual will be responsible for overseeing various aspects of urban security, including public order, traffic management, and coordination with local and national law enforcement agencies. The role demands not only a deep understanding of Milan’s unique urban environment but also the ability to navigate complex political dynamics and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Future Outlook and Continued Discussions
Discussions are expected to continue within the city council to find a consensus candidate who meets Mayor Sala’s stringent criteria. The outcome of these deliberations will significantly impact Milan’s preparedness for the Olympic Games and its ongoing efforts to enhance urban security for all residents.
Source: https://milano.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_gennaio_17/milano-sala-detta-le-regole-per-l-assessorato-alla-sicurezza-questo-ruolo-solo-a-chi-conosce-la-citta-297ccb76-245c-45e5-8d3d-70842174exlk.shtml
