Catania’s Prefect Departs, Leaving a Legacy of Crisis Management and a Stark Warning About Organized Crime
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A Forty-Year Career Culminates in Catania
Maria Carmela Librizzi, the prefect of Catania, is set too retire on April 30th, concluding a distinguished forty-year career in public service. Having taken office in Catania in March 2021, Librizzi’s tenure was marked by a series of important challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to natural disasters.
As of May 1st, the responsibility for appointing her successor falls to the Council of Ministers. the Catania prefecture also faces managerial vacancies due to upcoming retirements and promotions, creating a period of transition for the region.
Reflecting on her time in office, Prefect Librizzi described her four years as “very intense, complex, and complex,” citing numerous emergencies that demanded immediate attention. She recalled the initial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the devastating medicane
cyclone in late 2021 and the persistent threat of volcanic ashfall from Mount Etna. Wildfires also posed a significant challenge, stretching resources and requiring careful coordination.
It was four years, and a few days, very intense. Complicated and complex years: with many emergencies to face. I arrived with the mask, that is, with Covid. We had to deal with the cyclone, the medicane at the end of 2021. And again, the constant and frequent fall of ash of Etna which can no longer be underestimated. And the fires.
Librizzi highlighted the arrival of the cyclone as a particularly concerning moment, requiring the intervention of national civil protection authorities. The wildfires also presented a delicate situation, demanding a focus on preserving community safety.
Civil protection and Inter-Municipal Cooperation
Despite some municipalities lagging in updating their civil protection plans, Prefect Librizzi praised the cohesion and collaboration among mayors during critical events. This cooperation, she emphasized, was crucial in effectively addressing emergencies and ensuring the safety of the population.
Labor Disputes and the Prefecture’s Role in Mediation
Catania has long been plagued by labor disputes, a persistent issue that demands careful attention. The prefecture served as a central hub for mediation and dialog, addressing a wide range of cases. Recent interventions,such as Minister Urso’s involvement in the STMicroelectronics case and discussions regarding Pfizer,highlight the prefecture’s commitment to finding solutions. The prefecture also acknowledges the constant presence of protestors outside its building, emphasizing its dedication to listening and mediating.
Organized Crime: A Shadowy Threat Persists
Significant strides have been made in combating organized crime in Catania, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Carabinieri, police, and finance departments. Numerous operations have led to arrests and disruptions of criminal networks. However, Prefect librizzi cautioned that organized crime demonstrates a remarkable ability to regenerate, identifying new leaders and operating discreetly.
Operations that also tell us how organized crime is capable of regenerating by identifying new reference figures after the previous leaders had ended up in prison. And thay act in silence. So much so, and it is no coincidence that one of the most significant operations has been called “shadow”.
A particularly troubling aspect is the continued prevalence of pizzo
, or protection money, paid by businesses of all sizes. This phenomenon, which affects everyone from street vendors to large corporations, is often unreported, with extortions typically uncovered through police investigations rather than direct complaints.This lack of reporting paints a disturbing picture of fear and intimidation within the community.
Catania’s Fight Against Organized Crime: A Prefect’s Outlook
Insights into juvenile deviance, school leaving, and the pervasive influence of organized crime in Catania, Italy.
The Insidious Nature of “Pizzo”: Paying for Protection
The outgoing Prefect of catania reflects on the challenges of combating organized crime, particularly the deeply ingrained practice of paying “pizzo,” or protection money. This illegal levy,frequently enough seen as a form of insurance,ultimately costs individuals their freedom and undermines the rule of law.
Paying the lace is almost considered an insurance: but, you always pay a price. That is that of the loss of one’s freedom.
The Prefect emphasizes the need for increased awareness and resistance against this form of extortion, which continues to plague businesses and individuals alike. According to a recent report by the Italian Anti-Mafia Examination Directorate (DIA), extortion remains a primary source of revenue for organized crime groups in Sicily, impacting economic growth and social stability.
Combating Corruption Within Public Institutions
The fight against organized crime extends beyond the private sector, infiltrating public institutions and requiring decisive action. The Prefect highlights the unfortunate necessity of addressing infiltrations within municipal administrations, leading to the dissolution of five municipalities: Calatabiano, Castiglione di Sicilia, Randazzo, Palagonia, and Tremestieri. further investigations are ongoing, underscoring the pervasive nature of the problem.
Metropolitan Observatory: A Beacon of Hope Against Juvenile Deviancy
Despite the challenges, Catania is witnessing positive developments in addressing juvenile deviance and school leaving. the establishment of a metropolitan observatory, a collaborative effort between the prefecture and other institutions, represents an innovative approach to tackling these issues. This initiative aims to address the root causes of youth crime and school dropout rates by intervening at the social level.
The Prefect acknowledges the crucial contributions of figures like Roberto Di Bella, known for his work with at-risk youth, and Archbishop Luigi Renna, who has actively engaged with the community. This collaborative spirit offers a glimmer of hope for a brighter future for Catania’s youth.
While law enforcement and military presence can enhance the perception of security, the Prefect stresses the critical role of civic engagement. Citizens must take ownership of public spaces and actively participate in maintaining a safe and secure environment.This sense of shared responsibility is essential in combating organized crime and fostering a culture of lawfulness.
A Personal Reflection: Lessons Learned and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on his tenure in Catania, the Prefect expresses gratitude for the prospect to engage with students and young people. These interactions have reinforced the importance of nurturing the next generation of responsible citizens. As he embarks on a well-deserved retirement after forty years of service, the Prefect looks forward to enjoying the simple pleasures of life, including spending time by the sea.