The upcoming elections for the Metropolitan City of Sassari represent "one of the lowest points of democracy in our region." This is according to Mario Conoci, former mayor of Alghero , who harshly denounces the lack of citizen involvement and the purely bureaucratic approach with which the institution's creation is being managed. According to Conoci, the new metropolitan institution, which should address crucial issues such as healthcare, transportation, energy, education, and the environment, risks becoming "a distant body, divorced from local communities," lacking true democratic legitimacy.

" The metropolitan mayor is automatically appointed, not elected. Citizens have no say in the matter : it's a mechanism that marks a serious step backwards from direct elections and popular participation." Even more critical is the assessment of political parties, accused of abandoning any public debate to focus solely on internal politics and calculations. "Instead of building a vision and programs, they have focused only on placing candidates and dividing up seats. In some cases," adds Conoci, "they have even split internally, creating factions opposed to those they represent at the regional and national levels."

Conoci appeals to local mayors to responsibly give "heart and soul" to this institution, transforming it into a real development tool. But the ultimate goal remains the same: reforming the law, introducing direct elections for the metropolitan mayor and the assembly.

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