In the early hours of the morning, the Municipality of Naples approved the three-year budget and the budget for 2025, marking a significant step for the economic management of the city.
The vote, which took place at 3:46 a.m., saw Toti Lange abstain and Guangi, Savastano, Maresca, and Longobardi voting against. The budget for 2025 amounts to €5.576.469.594,56, with €1.515.385.338,70 allocated to current expenditure and €1.252.179.801,20 for investments in public works.
Financial recovery
"The Council's approval of the 2025-2027 budget is not a mere formality, but represents a step forward in the financial recovery process initiated in the fall of 2021 with the installation of the Manfredi Administration, introducing a management model compliant with European standards," said Enza Amato, President of the Naples City Council.
"For the first time, Naples will have an operating budget as early as February, a sign of change compared to the past, when delays in approvals were commonplace," he added. Since 2021, the city's overall debt has been reduced by over €1 billion and the deficit has dropped by €555 million.
Efficiency in spending
Payment times to suppliers have been drastically reduced, from 174 days in 2022 to just 30 days currently. This reform has allowed local businesses and retailers to benefit from more efficient administration. €8,2 million has been allocated for public green spaces and urban decor, while over €51 million will be allocated to welfare. Investments planned for the three-year period also include the strengthening of public transportation, road improvements, waste management, safety, and housing policies. A significant recovery in tax revenue has been recorded, with nearly €116 million recovered in 2024.
Future budget objectives
Budget Councillor Pier Paolo Baretta expressed his hope that the next 2026-2028 budget will be approved by December 31 of this year. This will allow for a budget cycle that includes a first adjustment in March and a second in July, aligning operations with the budget session between October and December.
The Mayor Gaetano Manfredi He emphasized that Naples is the first city to have significantly reduced its debt, highlighting the organizational streamlining efforts of its subsidiaries. "The most obvious fact is that Naples is finally a normal city, where the budget is approved on time. If we continue on this path, at the end of this term we will be able to say we have brought the city out of the abyss," he concluded.
Comments (1)
The approval of the budget is an important thing for Naples, but I wonder if citizens understand how these things work. It is essential that there is transparency and information, otherwise everything becomes confusing.