The Court of Auditors of Italy has suspended the controversial project for the bridge over the Strait of Messina, which is intended to connect Sicily with the mainland of Italy, representatives of the agency reported on Wednesday, LETA writes, citing DPA.
Auditors refused to approve the bridge project promoted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, which is estimated to cost 13.5 billion euros.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the agency's decision, calling it a political move on the social network X.
"We are determined to use all possible means to start construction. We will continue," Salvini promised.
The Court of Auditors must provide a written justification for its decision within 30 days.
However, the project is not definitively halted.
Italian media report that Salvini may initiate a vote in the government to overcome the objections.
According to the plan, the bridge will be 3.3 kilometers long. If the project is realized, it will become the longest suspension bridge in the world.
Currently, the strait can only be crossed by ferry. Both cars and trains will be able to travel on the new bridge.
Nevertheless, the project has sparked sharp disputes — environmentalists warn of potential ecological consequences of the large-scale construction.
The project has been discussed for several decades.
In 2012, it was abandoned due to its excessively high cost.
Since coming to power, Meloni's government has actively promoted this project again.
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