Telosaes.it

“Those who govern, no matter what their title, have significant responsibility. Our commitment must be to ensuring we are effective, responsible guides, why not, reflecting on its Latin meaning of helmsman.”

Telos: Just as the English 'premier' is not provided for – neither the name nor the powers nor the roles – under the Italian Constitution, likewise governors have no place in our system. Although not accurate and a reflection of how American terms have taken over the Italian media, don’t you think that the word governor describes well someone who, according to the word’s Latin meaning of guide, ruler, governs with great political responsibility?

Massimiliano Fedriga: Those who govern, no matter what their title, have significant responsibility. Our commitment must be to ensuring we are effective, responsible guides, why not, reflecting on its Latin meaning of helmsman.  However, it is important to point out that the role of the Regional president goes beyond mere names and labels. Our main job is to guide the Region in a way that takes into account citizens’ needs and political and economic challenges.
My job is to act like a responsible administrator, making decisions that reflect the interests of the community and working for the common good. Democracy requires constant dialogue and active listening and I am committed to carrying out my role with the utmost transparency and dedication. In recent years, the role of the president of the Region has undoubtedly acquired even greater importance, also thanks to the work of all the territories in the Conference of the Regions. The ability to synthesise and government efficiency have made it possible to offer citizens important responses.

Friuli Venezia Giulia is a border Region. The role it managed to carve out for itself in direct relations with border states is emblematic. One example is the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley, a unique project at the EU level, where the Region made a deal with Slovenia and Croatia. What is it like to administrate a Region where there is a ‘meeting of cultures’ between the Latin, Germanic, Slavic and Hungarian worlds?

Administrating a Region where there is an actual ‘meeting of cultures’ requires an inclusive vision and active diplomacy. We try to valorise the assets of these different influences, acknowledging the contribution of each culture to our social and economic fabric. This opening enables us to build bridges, not walls, and transform diversity into a strong point. Friuli Venezia Giulia plays a unique role as a borderland, characterised by its cultural diversity and strategic position. Our ability to establish significant relationships with border states is one of the pillars of our politics.
The creation of the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley is a concrete example of how our Region has embraced innovation and cross-border cooperation, but we cannot forget the role of culture, with the decision to make Gorizia and Nova Gorica the 2025 European Capital of Culture. Cross-border cooperation is one of the cornerstones of our government vision, and we think this initiative is a significant step towards greater integration and collaboration among communities. This requires careful planning and the engagement of all the parties involved, with a special focus on promoting cultural diversity and creating economic synergies. My administration actively supports this project by working closely with the local authorities, citizens and the institutions involved. The goal is to create an inclusive environment that valorises local identities while promoting sustainable economic growth and quality of life. Projects like these don’t just impact the territories involved, they offer opportunities for a far greater area. Just think that the Hydrogen Valley projects start with Friuli Venezia Giulia, Slovenia and Croatia, but they can create opportunities for all of Europe.

The Regions and ‘differentiated autonomy’. This continues to be a hot issue that sparks heated debate. What is your position on this?

Not only as the President of a Region with ‘special statute’ status, but also as the President of the Conference of the Regions, I have had the opportunity to take part in debates on differentiated autonomy. My experience in this role has allowed me to fully comprehend the different needs of the various Regions in Italy. Differentiated autonomy is an opportunity for the entire country, from the north to the south. We have seen, even during the emergencies our country has experienced - the pandemic, first and foremost - how in some sectors, the Regions are able to respond faster and more effectively. So, I really don’t understand the positions of some politicians who are against autonomy, unless it is all just about political speculation. Then, I think that claiming this would penalise the south fails to demonstrate much goodwill towards southern Italy. Most of all, it’s not true. The southern Italian Regions are absolutely up to the challenge of autonomy, which might lead to an improvement in services even for the citizens of the south. Stop humiliating the south, let’s valorise it.

A Regional President on his second term, re-elected in April 2023 with a crushing victory. What can you tell us about the past and how do you see the future?

Unfortunately, the first five years of my term were marked by emergency: from the Vaia storm to Covid-19, then the protests against the green pass, the war in Ukraine, the cost of energy and the Carso wildfires. Our Region has had to face a series of exceptional challenges that have tested our ability to respond. We have had to adapt our policies and resources to take on every challenge, leveraging not only public sector engagement, but also citizens’ extraordinary ability to stay united. Each challenge has given us the opportunity to improve our governing skills, continuing along the lines of making long-term plans, attracting investment and creating jobs. The economic data we now see, the resources available to us, are the fruit of serious work that has created new businesses and new opportunities for Friuli Venezia Giulia. We have to continue to strengthen this path.

Marco Sonsini