Naples's cemeteries are in disrepair, a complaint says: "Poggioreale is a symbol of abandonment."

In Naples, the Poggioreale cemetery has become a symbol of decay and abandonment, with families and associations denouncing unacceptable conditions despite regular maintenance fees; MP Francesco Emilio Borrelli is calling for urgent action.

The deterioration of Naples' city cemeteries continues to be an open and increasingly evident wound. Places intended for contemplation and respect for the deceased instead appear abandoned, dirty, and unsafe, despite the regular payment of taxes and fees for maintenance and services. This condition has long been denounced by families, associations, and industry professionals, with no structural solutions in sight.

The latest report comes from the Poggioreale cemetery, specifically the Santa Maria del Pianto area, where residents describe an "indescribable" situation. Images show paths overrun with garbage, uncontrolled vegetation, damaged gravestones, overflowing trash bins that have never been emptied, and private chapels surrounded by neglect. According to relatives of the deceased, even after self-cleaning, the deterioration returns within hours. When asked for explanations, the response is always the same: "only four employees" are responsible for cleaning the entire cemetery.

Making the situation even more grim is the fact that congregations and management continue to regularly demand the payment of taxes and contributions, while maintenance and decorum are virtually absent. This contradiction fuels anger and a sense of abandonment among residents.

"It's unacceptable that cemeteries in a large city like Naples are in such poor condition. This isn't just a matter of urban decorum, but of profound respect for the deceased and their families, who deserve dignified places to commemorate their loved ones," denounced Francesco Emilio Borrelli, MP for the Green and Left Alliance.

"Paying taxes and contributions regularly and then finding yourself having to sweep the area yourself, amidst the rubbish and decay, is a slap in the face to people's dignity. This situation demonstrates the failure of the current management of city cemeteries, which must be radically rethought and reformed," adds Borrelli.

The MP calls for immediate intervention by the Municipality, thorough checks on the responsibilities of the congregations, and increased staffing. "A civilized city cannot exist if there is no respect even for the dead. The deterioration of cemeteries is a reflection of a dysfunctional society and an administration that can no longer look the other way," he concludes.