Overview
- The Sezione centrale della Corte dei Conti denied the legality visa and registration of the August CIPESS decision approving the Messina Bridge project, with written reasons due within 30 days.
- An emergency meeting at Palazzo Chigi is underway, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Minister Matteo Salvini preparing steps to keep the project on track.
- The executive is considering a Consiglio dei Ministri deliberation to reassert the act on grounds of superior public interest, a route that could lead to registration with reserve and a parliamentary notification.
- According to reports, the court’s doubts concern multi‑year financial coverage, traffic forecasts, compliance with environmental and seismic rules, and adherence to EU thresholds on cost increases; a counselor also questioned CIPESS’s competence.
- The Court defended its remit as strictly legal and budget‑protective, while the government denounced the decision as political; the €13–13.5 billion project is touted by backers for jobs and regional development.