One Of The Poorest Areas In Italy Is Facing Bankruptcy

One of the poorest areas in Italy is facing bankruptcy. Mario Monti has already announced that he is ready to support Sicily but warned that the island could go like Greece if the necessary measures are not taken..

As if Mario Monti did not have enough to do with the current financial crisis in Italy, he must now also take care of the beleaguered Sicily. He had already asked the governor of Sicily to confirm his resignation. Raffaele Lombardo has already publicly announced some time ago that he would resign from his office. Moreover, a possible financial collapse in Sicily jeopardizes Mario Monti’s reform plans.

Ministers in Italy see the blame for the looming debt crisis on the island primarily on Sicily’s local authorities. The Italian press is already dubbing Sicily the “Greece of Italy.” Corruption and nepotism have also contributed to the current situation.

In addition, Sicily has a bloated state apparatus with over 10,000 employees. Lombardo is the best-paid governor in Italy, with a salary of €16,000 net. Lombardo is already under investigation for possible links to mafia dealings. The 61-year-old has been president of Sicily since 2008.

Sicily has a current debt of about 21 billion euros. Mario Monti wants to free Italy from the current debt and financial crisis with numerous reforms. Experts believe that Italy is already on the right track and that efforts must be continued so that all measures bear fruit.