Naples, May 12 – The Naples City Council convened to discuss pressing urban issues, focusing on the proposed transformation of the public water company, ABC, into a joint-stock company, and a growing alarm over city security. The session also included a moment of silence for the recently deceased photojournalist Riccardo Siano and concluded with a vote on honorary citizenship for Napoli Calcio President Aurelio De Laurentiis.
Public Water Company Transformation Sparks Debate
The council session commenced with interventions on urgent communications, led by Sergio D’Angelo of Napoli Solidale Europa Verde Difendi la Città. D’Angelo highlighted the afternoon demonstration by public water committees and expressed profound concern regarding the transformation of ABC into a joint-stock company. He fears this move could pave the way for privatization, a step strongly opposed by his group.
D’Angelo emphasized that this transformation, reportedly mandated by Legislative Decree 201/2022, is met with strong resistance. He urged the administration to meet with the committees to clarify the measures being taken to prevent the dismantling of the current public company model. Rosario Andreozzi, also from Napoli Solidale Europa Verde Difendi la Città, reiterated the commitment to maintaining ABC as a public entity, deeming the lack of a meeting between the administration and the committees incomprehensible.
Salvatore Guangi of Forza Italia also raised concerns about ABC, suggesting that critical issues should be addressed in the Transparency Commission.
Escalating Security Concerns Across the City
Security emerged as another critical topic. Council member Savary Ravendra reported numerous assaults and robberies targeting expatriate workers and tourists, particularly during evening hours. The designation of certain neighborhoods as “red zones” by the Prefect further underscores the gravity of the situation. Ravendra expressed hope for a swift return to serene living conditions in the city.
Walter Savarese d’Atri (Manfredi Sindaco), commenting on recent crime incidents, stressed that the current resources of the Local Police are insufficient to manage emergencies, necessitating new hires. He also mentioned the theft of a van belonging to the non-profit organization Maestri di Strada, announcing a public awareness demonstration for the following day.
Toti Lange (Misto) stated that the episodes of violence in the city could no longer be ignored, specifically citing the events at Porta Capuana that led to a man’s death. The critical situation in that area has been repeatedly raised in the council chamber. Lange asserted, “The cry of terror from citizens has been clearly denounced in this chamber,” highlighting the perceived absence of state presence in some areas and calling for maximum commitment to eradicate degradation.
Massimo Cilenti (Napoli Libera) echoed security concerns, emphasizing the need for continuous attention, especially in peripheral areas where there is a noticeable lack of controls. Cilenti also criticized certain traffic management decisions, particularly concerning bicycle paths.
Claudio Cecere (Movimento 5 Stelle) called for greater attention to urban liveability, especially in peripheral zones suffering from poor green space maintenance and inadequate cleanliness, urging a change of pace in citizen services.
Salvatore Guangi also highlighted several unresolved issues, from the kiosk in Piazza Mercato to the care of school green areas and compliance with eviction notices in public housing.
Honorary Citizenship for Aurelio De Laurentiis Approved
On a different note, the council proceeded to discuss the motion proposed by the Forza Italia group (Iris Savastano, Salvatore Guangi, and Gennaro Demetrio Paipais) to confer honorary citizenship upon the President of Napoli Calcio, Aurelio De Laurentiis. With the favorable opinion of the administration, expressed by Councilor Teresa Armato, the council approved the document by a majority vote.
Rosario Andreozzi voted against the proposal, and Sergio Colella (Manfredi Sindaco) abstained. The measure includes not only the recognition but also the organization of a public event for the presentation. During the debate, council members Sergio D’Angelo and Ciro Borriello (M5S) announced their favorable vote but urged the implementation of a previously approved motion for honorary citizenship for Francesca Albanese. Rosario Andreozzi justified his dissenting vote by stating he would not support any further conferrals until the process for Albanese is completed.
The session concluded with these pivotal decisions, reflecting the ongoing challenges and priorities of the Naples City Council.
