Italy’s ambitious plan to build a €13.5 billion bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland has been thrown into uncertainty after the country’s Court of Auditors rejected the proposal on Wednesday, dealing a major blow to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government.
The court, responsible for overseeing public spending to prevent waste, did not provide an immediate explanation for its decision but said a full written verdict would be issued within 30 days. The ruling marks a significant setback for Meloni’s administration, which had portrayed the bridge as a symbol of its commitment to infrastructure development in southern Italy and as a national security project aligned with the country’s defense goals.
Despite the court’s decision, Meloni and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini vowed to push forward with the project. “This is yet another act of encroachment by the judiciary on the choices of the government and parliament,” Meloni’s office stated, calling the verdict “an intolerable intrusion.” Salvini, the project’s most vocal advocate, described the ruling as “a serious blow to the country” and “a political choice rather than an impartial technical judgment,” promising to explore all options to proceed.
Concerns Over Cost and Legality
Judges previously questioned several aspects of the government’s approach, including the decision to award a €10.6 billion contract to Milan-listed construction firm Webuild without a new tender — relying instead on a bid process originally conducted in 2005. During the hearing, judges also raised doubts about the project’s financial viability, saying cost estimates were incomplete and based on outdated data.
Judge Carmela Mirabella cautioned that moving forward without secure funding could “lead to a subsequent interruption, which would be very damaging, especially for the state’s finances.”
Political Fallout and Industry Reaction
The ruling sparked strong reactions within the government. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, leader of coalition partner Forza Italia, criticized the court’s decision, saying it was “unacceptable in a democratic country that the court of auditors decides which strategic projects should be carried out.”
Pietro Ciucci, CEO of the state-owned company Stretto di Messina, which is expected to operate the bridge, expressed surprise, insisting that “the entire process was carried out in full compliance with Italian and European regulations.”
A Century-Old Dream Revived and Stalled
Plans to link Sicily with the Italian mainland date back to the 19th century. Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi signed a €3.8 billion construction contract in 2006 with Impregilo (later acquired by Webuild). The project was scrapped in 2012 amid Italy’s debt crisis, leading Impregilo to sue the government for €700 million in damages.
After taking office in 2022, Meloni revived the proposal, with Webuild agreeing to withdraw its lawsuit if the bridge plan proceeded. However, the project has faced strong local opposition, particularly from residents whose properties would be seized for construction.
The court’s decision now leaves the future of one of Italy’s most ambitious infrastructure dreams — and a cornerstone of Meloni’s southern development agenda — hanging in the balance.
