The Festival dell’Economia di Trento recently hosted the presentation of a thought-provoking new book by Giulio Centemero, an accountant, League Member of Parliament, and member of the Finance Commission. Titled ‘Even the Rich Cry. La crisi del modello Milano e delle Global Cities’ (Baldini e Castoldi), the agile and engaging volume delves into the profound transformations affecting global cities, using Milan as a prime example of urban unraveling.
Milan’s Identity Crisis: A Tale of Two Cities
Centemero, a Lombard by birth and education, offers a first-person account of his experiences living and working in Milan, drawing parallels with London, a city he frequently visits. His narrative, exemplified by a vivid description of a commute between Milan and London for his ‘Sandwich Club’ meeting, underscores the intricate connections that once defined Western global cities. However, this connection is now being reshaped by the silent rise of China, the trauma of wars, and energy crises, leaving cities like Milan grappling with a loss of their traditional identity.
The core of Centemero’s argument centers on Milan’s growing inability to sustain its middle class. Once a city where diverse social strata coexisted, Milan is increasingly becoming a city for the wealthy, pushing out those who form the backbone of its social and economic life. This disbandment, according to Centemero, stems from both endogenous and exogenous factors, leading to a critical lack of a common code that once unified the city.
The London Model: A Blueprint for Milan’s Revival?
Centemero posits that London, despite its own complexities, has managed to re-integrate its middle class into the city’s core. He argues that Milan must emulate this success, primarily through innovative housing policies.
