Schifani: "I have a deep respect and friendship for Galvagno. I'm moving on."

"I urge everyone not to exploit the investigations to undermine the functioning of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. And I remind you that a very important budget plan based on three pillars is about to be voted on: combating emergencies, welfare, and development. We have already allocated €345 million to the regional government. €10 million is earmarked for combating high airfares, €10 million for people with disabilities, and €20 million to cover the cost of waste disposal abroad by municipalities while they await waste-to-energy plants, for which we are respecting the deadlines." This was stated by Renato Schifani, President of the Sicilian Region, in an interview with Il Giornale di Sicilia, "warning" that the government will continue regardless of the political climate created by the investigations, which could paralyze the Sicilian Regional Assembly and, therefore, the government's program.

Regarding resources, the governor explains that "these are all increased revenues. They come from higher income from personal income tax (IRPEF), VAT, and stamp duty, compared to last year's forecasts. This is a sign that GDP is growing thanks to the government's expansionary policy. In the budget, we've included €60 million to redo provincial roads through a process that doesn't require tenders but will allow the Infrastructure Councilor to finance every project that becomes ready for construction. And then there are €66 million to reduce healthcare waiting lists." Returning to the investigation into the President of the Sicilian Regional Assembly, Gaetano Galvagno, Schifani assures us that "I am bound to Galvagno by respect and friendship. He's working well, and it's also thanks to him that we approved the Budget Law by December. I'm maintaining strict confidentiality regarding the investigation, even though I've noticed the unfortunate trickle of information related to wiretaps, sometimes taken out of context. I respect the constitutional principle of non-guilt until a final conviction. Gaetano will defend himself, and then we'll see."

But Tourism Councilor Elvira Amata is also under investigation: "The principle of not guilty until proven guilty applies to her as well," Schifani emphasizes. "She, too, will defend herself. In the event of a referral to trial for matters pertaining to her area of expertise, we will evaluate together what course of action to take." Meanwhile, the Democratic Party and the Five Star Movement are calling for Tourism to be removed from the Brothers of Italy party: "At the beginning of the legislature, I made it clear that I would guarantee representation based on the outcome of the elections," she recalls. "The responsibilities will also remain those assigned; I won't change without an agreement with the party."

And then, regarding the budget, he explains that it's not "safe," but "this is the money, and I have a duty to direct the resources that have come from the increased revenues toward strategic measures. That is, fighting emergencies, social initiatives, and growth. All proposed changes that fall within this framework will be carefully evaluated. I ask my majority to take action on these three issues, including at the local level. Otherwise, there will be no room for micro-interventions and handouts. I have made this commitment to the national government and the public," Schifani concludes.