"A corporate transaction lacking transparency, with a Term Sheet—the non-binding agreement between the parties—that does not contemplate any public management or strategy."
The opposition group leaders made a term sheet available to the press today, having received a copy yesterday from President Alessandra Todde following a request for access to documents. The statement, signed by the governor, emphasizes that "the term sheet is of a confidential and private nature."
But, Paolo Truzzu (FdI) clarified, "the interests of the Sardinians outweigh those of the companies that are finalizing this agreement, which is why we will make the documents available to all citizens because the transport system is vital, in everyone's interest, not just a few." The FdI group leader speaks of an agreement "more between private individuals, in which the Region is joining with little transparency, without first sharing this operation with the Regional Council and the Sardinians." Moreover, the Region "only has a minority role; it will be the steward within the company because it only holds a 9% stake and therefore has no power to influence the decisions made regarding the airport system."
Forza Italia group president Angelo Cocciu added: "We're not interested in operations like this; we're more interested in bringing millions of passengers to Sardinia."
Umberto Ticca (Reformers) notes that "this commitment shows that private interests are protected and all litigation is frozen." In short, "this is a privatization carried out without a tender, without a public tender, and without any emergencies to address. The airport network could have been worked on without resorting to such operations." Furthermore, "Nowhere does it say that profits will be reinvested in Sardinia." Stefano Tunis (Sardegna al Centro 20Venti) adds a point. The Term Sheet states that "NewCo Privati will undertake not to sell its stake in the holding company until December 31, 2028." This means that "from 2029, the fund can sell its shares to anyone."
Antonio Moro, who, as Transport Councilor in the previous center-right legislature, had filed an appeal against the merger of the Alghero and Olbia airports, also attended the opposition conference. "This agreement relegates the Region to the role of an ornamental partner in this covert privatization of Sardinia's skies and airports," he said. Furthermore, "the refusal to pursue legal proceedings means that the Region is abdicating its role in safeguarding the legality and interests of the Sardinians, and the public interest it represents in airport management companies."