Since 2007, the Sardinian industry has lost over half of its value. The worst in Italy. Yet according to unions, politicians and economists there is no lack of opportunities, but without infrastructure the projects remain on the back burner.
A story that has lasted for decades: the chimneys go out, the factories are emptied and the workers go home without pay. Then comes public support, hope and long months of layoffs.
The island has earned the country's little coveted black jersey thanks to the record collapse of the sector recorded in the last fifteen years: -52.4% of added value with a loss of over 2.6 billion euros.
There is certainly no shortage of ideas, but they have remained on paper for some time. In fact, large projects must clash with the harsh reality of a region that could have the potential to host a more modern and territorially friendly industry, but which on balance does not offer the infrastructural tools to do so.
«Unfortunately, the large companies in Sulcis have taught us that closing factories is almost never the right solution», explains Francesco Garau, regional secretary of Filctem. «The production of lead-zinc and aluminium, for example, has become strategic again, but is struggling to restart due to a lack of desire to relaunch. Mistakes for which we could pay dearly."
Luca Mascia
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