ROME – After a week of severe disruptions on Italy’s railways, Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini has announced plans to urgently address parliament.

The announcement relates to two incidents reported by Italian State Railways. In one case, a chain was found hanging from the station’s overhead electrical system, threatening significant damage to pantographs and power lines. In another, an attempt was made to break into a control unit.

Salvini said it was necessary to inform parliament urgently of the serious developments and recent “shocking episodes”.

The suspected sabotage could not have come at a worse time. Italy’s railways are currently undergoing an ambitious modernisation programme, with many new lines opening. This has caused significant strain on the system, including long delays, which are only made worse by security risks.

On Wednesday, Rome prosecutors opened an investigation into suspected sabotage after FS reported a series of “highly suspicious” events, citing specific times, recurring patterns of malfunctions and their unusually high frequency.

Officials suspect deliberate interference aimed at disrupting critical areas of the country, although it will be up to prosecutors to confirm this.

Salvini’s decision to address parliament follows growing pressure from the opposition to hold him accountable for the rail crisis, which escalated last week.

The situation has led to a fiery exchange of accusations between political leaders, making the rail disruption a national political issue.

Defending his record, Salvini emphasised ongoing investment to address systemic problems caused by “decades of mismanagement.” He said a  €100 billion plan for railway infrastructure is underway, with over 1,200 active construction sites.

Former opposition prime minister Matteo Renzi accused Salvini of consistent delays since he became a minister and called on him to resign as “thousands of citizens are demanding”.

(Alessia Peretti | Euractiv.it)

Source: Euractiv.com