"Carbonia is burning, and with it, a part of all of us. This weekend was dramatic." It was a fiery weekend for his city . But Mayor Pietro Morittu doesn't want controversy to flare up after the blaze. He speaks of the affected area, of homes, history, and lives threatened, "and the pain I feel as mayor is profound."

Arson, the mayor emphasizes, "is a cowardly, criminal act that has no justification. Those who willfully destroy our land are not only committing a crime, but are betraying the entire community. We cannot tolerate this."

But he adds: "To those who speak of delays in the rescue effort, I respond with respect, but also clearly: we requested the Canadair intervention immediately, within the timeframe and methods established by the national protocol. The rescue operation acted in coordination, with great commitment and sacrifice on the part of everyone."

Some have pointed the finger at those allegedly responsible. "I also strongly reject any attempt to turn this tragedy into a pretext for social division," Morittu says bluntly. "Blaming a segment of the population, insinuating collective responsibility, is not only wrong: it's dangerous. Problems must be addressed with seriousness and daily work, not with generalized accusations. Defending Carbonia means caring for the territory and social cohesion. We will continue to do so, every day."

(Unioneonline/E.Fr.)

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