San Rossore Park: Press Release from Councilor Elisabetta Mazzarri

San Giuliano Terme, November 2, 2024 — Minority Council Member of San Giuliano Terme, Dr. Elisabetta Mazzarri, speaks clearly and firmly on the proposal to build a new Carabinieri station within the San Rossore Park. Although expressing deep concerns about the project, Mazzarri decided to vote against the motion presented by the Democratic Party and the San Giuliano Left, disagreeing with both the approach and purpose of the initiative.

"Issues like this," says Councilor Mazzarri, "should not be exploited to create political divisions or to foster ideological alignments." For the Councilor, topics of this importance, which impact citizens' quality of life and the protection of our environmental heritage, require an inclusive approach that involves the community and transcends partisan politics.

Councilor Mazzarri's opposition stems from her belief that the motion risks being perceived as an ideological and identity stance rather than a genuine contribution to constructive debate. "This project," she emphasizes, "originates within left-wing political circles and has found support from the Democratic Party itself, with figures like Eugenio Giani and former Minister Andrea Guerrini backing it. The debate on this issue therefore deserves greater transparency and consistency."

The Councilor also highlights the role of certain key figures within local institutions, noting "the silent acceptance of Park President Giovanni Bani, and the absence of San Giuliano Terme's Mayor, Sergio Di Maio, at critical moments when he should have clearly expressed his views on a project of such scale."

Mazzarri points out how decisions of this magnitude are often made "from above" and passively supported by political apparatuses, without genuine involvement of the citizenry. "The outcome of such management," she explains, "is a climate of futile controversies and partisan political documents that risk being ineffective and providing no real benefit to the area."

The Councilor urges consideration of the need to balance the requirements for suitable space for the Armed Forces and public order with the protection of a precious location like San Rossore Park. "This is a natural space of great value that deserves to be respected with the same attention and reverence as a temple," she says, adding that an open dialogue would have encouraged balanced solutions, taking into account both security needs and environmental preservation.

In conclusion, Councilor Mazzarri hopes that in the future, issues of such importance will be addressed with greater transparency and with a participatory approach involving all stakeholders, to ensure that the management of our natural heritage does not become an ideological battleground but remains in the interest of the community and environmental protection.