Italy’s Di Maio States High-Speed Rail Link to France “Has No Future” – Reuters

Milan – Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister, Luigi Di Maio, expressed strong opposition to the high-speed rail link between Italy and France, declaring that it "has no future." This statement comes despite contrasting views within the coalition government regarding the project’s progression.

The planned 270 km (167 mile) rail line, which carries an estimated price tag of approximately 26 billion euros, has become a point of contention among government leaders. Funding for the project is expected to involve contributions from France and the European Union.

Di Maio, leader of the 5-Star Movement — one half of the ruling coalition — conveyed his stance in a recent video interview, stating that under the current political arrangement, the Turin-Lyon high-speed train project lacks viability. He further criticized it as being backed by the country’s "worst lobbies."

Transport Minister Danilo Toninelli indicated that Italy is expected to make a decision regarding the project’s future by the end of May. He has requested a commission to conduct a cost-benefit analysis, while another team of legal experts reviews the implications of Italy potentially withdrawing from the initiative.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte emphasized the need for a thorough "revision" of the project. He remarked on the importance of completing a cost-benefit analysis that examines all technical, economic, and social dimensions before any decisions are made.

On the other hand, the League, the coalition’s other party, stands in favor of the project. League leader and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini expressed optimism that the project would proceed, even suggesting that costs could be trimmed by about 1 billion euros. He voiced his hope for the resumption of work on the project as soon as possible.