“A crucial role in the management of the pandemic but also in the economic reconstruction that is starting”. Massimiliano Fedriga, president of Friuli Venezia Giulia and of the Conference of the Regions analyzes, interviewed by the director of La Stampa, Massimo Giannini, the role that the Regions have performed in recent months and how they are preparing to face this summer still marked by the virus but in which you begin to see the end of the tunnel.
Where are we at?
“I want to be optimistic, the data show a strong contraction of the virus in the country. A photo already seen last year but this time there is an intense vaccination campaign underway that changes the picture. Thanks to the Regions, which have formed an alliance with General Figliuolo’s commissioner structure, we are proceeding swiftly. There has been a change of pace in the supply of vaccines but also an enormous commitment by the governors ».
What has changed between Arcuri and General Figliuolo?
«As Regions we have always had a constructive relationship, even with Commissioner Arcuri. But today it is undeniable that the numbers today are much more consistent both in terms of doses and as a vaccination machine. This is a real photograph, not an opinion. A huge mistake has been made on AstraZeneca’s communication but now the appeal I make to citizens is to consider all these messages as synonymous with safety ».
Especially the boys seem to have overcome these fears, is that correct?
«Yes, there is a large participation of the age group between 16 and 39 years. I hope that it is not just for the first few days but that it will continue to reach coverage of over 70% of the population ».
Holidays: how to regulate?
«We can reason to facilitate those who take a long vacation period, over a month, in another Region. For the other cases, I believe we can seek mediation. A compromise can be found and organized ».
Minister Speranza was represented as “the last of the Japanese” who wants closure. How is the relationship with him now?
«We have always had an excellent relationship with Speranza, even if sometimes with different ideas, but it is legitimate. For the openings, we must also trust the country while Speranza has a more prudential vision. I believe that if the measures are not shared with the citizens they become impracticable ».
The system of local autonomies in many cases has made water. Do we need to redress Title V of the Constitution?
«The health system has held up thanks to the Regions. An example for me is Calabria which would have done better if it had been managed locally instead of with a commissioner. If the system became central, I believe there would be a leveling down ».