“In Casal di Principe, in these ten years, we have made history.” With these words, Mayor Renato Natale took stock of his second and final term, marking the end of a decade of radical transformations for the city. A period that represented a true rebirth after the long Camorra domination, a rebirth certified by the visit of the Head of State Sergio Mattarella on March 21, 2023 and by the redevelopment of 23 properties confiscated from the Camorra, now destined for public and social uses.
Natale emphasized that these results were achieved without special laws or funds and without any particular government intervention, highlighting the importance of democratic participation and civil society. During his term, the municipality transformed these assets into a nursery school, a new headquarters for the Municipal Police, a depot for municipal vehicles and an ecological island.
The mayor recalled that in June 2014, when he took office, he promised to restore dignity and transparency to the city. “Today the Casalesi are no longer associated with the Camorra clan, but are recognized as citizens of Casal di Principe" Natale said. The context had already improved in 2014 thanks to the numerous arrests of Camorra bosses and affiliates by law enforcement.
However, nothing was comparable to the situation in 1994, when Natale became mayor for the first time, directly facing the violence of the Camorra. During that period, Don Peppe Diana was killed, and Natale suffered intimidation, including the discovery of manure in front of his house, before being ousted by the City Council.
During his mandates, Natale helped make Casal di Principe a “normal” city. For the first time in over a century, an administration lasted its entire term without being dissolved due to mafia infiltration. Among his successes, he brought the water network and public lighting throughout the territory, increasing public light points from 40% to total coverage and installing 4.000 water meters.
Separate waste collection has gone from 8% in 2014 to 53-54% today, and the city has emerged from financial ruin. The adjustment of the tax sector has made it possible to combat tax evasion, which remains a significant problem. Thanks to the PNRR funds, Casal di Principe will see further improvements, such as the redevelopment of entire neighborhoods and the creation of a center for young people and the elderly.
However, major challenges remain, including the reduced number of traffic police and the issue of illegal houses to be demolished, a problem for which Natale hopes for a political solution. Despite the political divisions that have fragmented his majority, Natale has no intention of withdrawing completely from the political scene.
He hopes that the parties will return to politics in Casal di Principe and says he is ready to continue contributing to the growth of the territory. "The time has come for the parties to return to politics in Casal di Principe, with their structures that can also serve as a school for young people. And I believe I can still give something to this territory," Christmas has ended.
Article published on 6 June 2024 - 11:15
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