Strait Bridge Project Faces Setback as Court of Auditors Raises Concerns
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The highly debated bridge connecting Sicily and Calabria has hit a major roadblock after the Court of Auditors blocked the approval of a key resolution, sparking a political firestorm and raising questions about the project’s future. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has denounced the decision as an “invasion of jurisdiction,” while opposition leaders are celebrating a potential end to the controversial infrastructure project.
The Court of Auditors, specifically its “central control section of legitimacy on acts of the government and administrations of the State,” announced on October 29, 2025, that it woudl not allow Cipess Resolution no. 41/2025, pertaining to the Bridge over the Strait, to be approved and registered. The Court stated that the detailed reasoning behind its decision will be released within 30 days.This action follows a request for clarification made at the end of September regarding the green light given to the project.
Salvini Vows to Proceed Despite Obstacles
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, instantly reacted to the news, characterizing the Court’s decision as “serious damage to the country” and a “political choice rather than a calm technical judgement.” “While waiting for the reasons,” Salvini stated, “I will immediately clarify that I did not stop when I had to defend the borders and I will not stop now, given that we are talking about a project hoped for even by Europe which will provide progress and thousands of jobs from South to North. We are determined to follow all possible paths to get the works started. Let’s move forward.”
Meloni Accuses Court of “Invasion”
, CEO of the Stretto di Messina company, expressed “grate surprise” at the Court’s decision but maintained that the entire process had been conducted in full compliance with Italian and European regulations. He affirmed the company’s commitment to continuing the work, emphasizing that it has been entrusted by the government and the Ministry of Infrastructure, in accordance with laws approved by the Italian Parliament.
Court’s Concerns Detailed
The Court of Auditors had previously requested a series of clarifications regarding the Cipess resolution, specifically concerning the emergency procedure adopted to classify the bridge as a work of strategic military interest, as well as details on cost items and traffic estimates. According to a document sent to the Presidency of the Council, the Court found that “it would appear the burden of motivation has not been fully discharged.” Clarification was also sought regarding projected traffic volumes and the underlying assessments used in the TPlan Consulting study.
Key Findings Leading to the Block
Beyond traffic estimates, the Court scrutinized the project’s economic viability, compliance with environmental regulations, anti-seismic standards, and adherence to European rules regarding cost overruns exceeding 50% of the initial budget.Sources indicate that concerns were also raised regarding the Cipess’s competence, with some considering it a primarily “political” body.
Previous Clash with Bonelli
The situation escalated during a recent parliamentary hearing where Salvini defended the project against questioning from Angelo Bonelli, a deputy from Green Europe. Bonelli criticized the project’s €13.5 billion price tag, branding it “26 years old.” Meloni’s subsequent statement condemning the Court’s decision prompted a sharp rebuke from Bonelli, who called it “a real threat to the constitutional bodies of our country” and “a blow to democracy,” accusing the government of disregarding European laws and directives.
Potential Next Steps
Despite the Court’s negative assessment, Salvini has indicated the government intends to proceed with the project. According to the Court itself, the government can request a specific resolution from the Council of Ministers, arguing that the project serves a superior public interest. If the Court still opposes the project, it can issue a “seen with reservation” resolution, which would allow the project to move forward but with potential political repercussions for the government, as the Court periodically reports such cases to Parliament.
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