Taranto on alert, Mayor Bitetti resigns: behind-the-scenes details of his resignation

Taranto is in turmoil following the surprise announcement of Mayor Piero Bitetti 's resignation , elected last June. This decision has shaken the city and opens up new political and administrative scenarios. Between internal tensions, pressures, and still unclear motives, Taranto's future now appears uncertain and full of questions.

Taranto in turmoil, Mayor Bitetti resigns

In the past few hours, Piero Bitetti , mayor of Taranto, elected in early June and supported by a center-left coalition, unexpectedly submitted his resignation . The reasons behind this decision have not yet been fully clarified. The decision followed a heated meeting at the City Hall with representatives of civic and environmental committees regarding the plan for the former ILVA steelworks, the city's steelworks that has been at the center of controversy for years due to its industrial, environmental, and social impact.

The topic has urgently returned to the center of the debate due to the upcoming key deadlines for the sale of the plant, considered crucial to overcoming the company's crisis.

During the meeting, tensions reportedly escalated to the point that Bitetti left the municipal building prematurely. A protest was taking place outside, and according to reports, some protesters were seen as threatening by the mayor, who was allegedly prevented from leaving the building. Consequently, Bitetti returned to the City Hall and formally resigned, citing in his letter a " lack of political agility ."

“ I received threats from some environmentalists at the end of the meeting held at the Town Hall on the former Ilva dossier, discussed in preparation for the City Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning and especially in view of the Rome summit with Minister Urso for the Interinstitutional Program Agreement ,” declared the mayor.

His decision risks leaving a void at a crucial time for the future of the former ILVA, and the law gives mayors 20 days to confirm or withdraw their resignation.

The meeting, held at the Town Hall, had been convened in preparation for the July 30th City Council meeting, which was to discuss the government's proposed decarbonization agreement for the former Ilva plant.

"We met with the metalworkers' unions and were asked to further discuss the situation with the environmental associations, which we organized to illustrate the current state of play and, above all, listen to their concerns . Listening always yields new insights and proposals. I believe it's important to listen to the city and what we've been doing since June 17, the day I was proclaimed mayor," the mayor declared.

Bitetti recalled that the first draft of the program agreement had been submitted and reviewed on June 18, emphasizing the request for approval within just 48 hours. He then emphasized that, despite pressure, the administration remained committed to listening to the local community and resolutely protecting its interests. In particular, he expressed concern about the proposed 13-year decarbonization process, which he deemed excessively long , and argued for a more consistent approach to local environmental and health needs. To address the issue in depth, the administration had engaged with experts in the field. Finally, Bitetti reiterated that the final decision would rest with the city council, which is called upon to shape the city's future.

The meeting with the associations began with a speech by Annamaria Moschetti, representing the Pediatricians Cultural Association, who outlined years of systematic health data collection in the area. Reportedly, worrying signs had emerged , including a 50% increase in autism spectrum disorders compared to the provincial average, as well as evidence of other neurodevelopmental disorders. In her view, the precautionary principle required the immediate cessation of exposure to risk factors, without waiting for further scientific confirmation.

Up until that point, the debate had remained within the confines of a heated but legitimate administrative debate. However, the situation would later escalate, culminating in Piero Bitetti's resignation.