The Europe to be reformed ("enough with the EU of bureaucrats"), autonomy as a banner ("the Sardinian one must be defended, but all the Regions must have more powers") and the no to the invasion "without rules" of renewables that threaten the development of the countryside. On the other hand, the president of Veneto Luca Zaia was also Minister of Agriculture and knows well that «Sardinia has many typical products and an identity that I look at with admiration and a hint of envy».

Now, however, the landscape is threatened by energy speculation: photovoltaic panels and wind turbines risk taking away space for crops.

«We in Veneto were among the first to make a master plan, to say where these systems can be installed and where it is prohibited. I always say that there must be no war between fuel, i.e. energy production, and what is edible. Photovoltaics on the roofs of houses or factories is fine, small energy generators are fine, but an unregulated invasion is to the detriment of agriculture and the landscape. And we must prevent the costs of dismantling panels and towers from falling on the community in the future."

The Northern League governor arrives on the island a few days after the long-distance duel with Alessandra Todde on differentiated autonomy. This evening in Porto Cervo he will present his book "Do it quickly, go slowly", in which he tells of an eighteen-year-old Zaia who in 1986 discovered Spain aboard a Due Cavalli.

A trip to Europe yet to be united.

«Three years later our peers would have knocked down the Berlin Wall, while many old men were still discussing how to act. Mine is the generation of the new Europe, without borders."

Today there is the EU but Brussels is often perceived as a stepmother.

«Italy is among the founding countries, I say this with the pride of a convinced pro-European, but I think we can criticize European management. I believe in the EU that is close to the problems of the people and not that of the bureaucrats."

Give an example.

«Sardinia has real agriculture, it is part of a nation that has 4,500 typical products. In Brussels two philosophies clash: the EU of concrete agriculture, i.e. us, and that of the multinationals, i.e. those who don't have agriculture."

The EU has so far represented the biggest obstacle to true territorial continuity.

«That must be guaranteed without a doubt. Care must be taken to mitigate the effects of insularity. In this way tourism would benefit."

By the way: even in these parts, at least in summer, we start talking about overcrowding and possible countermeasures.
«For us, overtourism mainly concerns Venice, because it is an open-air museum and like all museums it needs rules. But we don't perceive tourists as a problem. I don't like those who shoot water guns at those on holiday, as is happening in Barcelona. Tourists are always welcome guests, then if someone behaves badly they should be intercepted. It's a sector that generates 18 billion in turnover for us, we can't live without it. Anyone who thinks so is disconnected from reality."

Coincidence: he used this same definition a few days ago for governor Alessandra Todde. You were discussing differentiated autonomy...

«I haven't made any controversy, I have the utmost respect for my colleagues, then I realize that you are at the beginning and it's not easy. I would like to clarify that Sardinian autonomy must be defended. The model I have proposed is that of a major process of administrative decentralization. Which regional president would not want to start an environmental impact assessment without waiting for the papers from Rome?".

There is already a two-speed Italy: isn't there a risk that the reform will widen the gap between north and south?

«The differences exist because the centralist model doesn't work. After 70 years of republican history we must have the courage to admit it. Has Sardinia's autonomy in recent decades created inequalities or taken something away from other territories? I don't think so."

The centre-left regions - including Sardinia - are accelerating the referendum to repeal the Calderoli reform.
«Popular consultation is a democratic institution, and democracy must be facilitated and respected. In Veneto on 22 October 2017 we voted, there was a 60% turnout and 98% asked for more autonomy: I believe that these people will be the ones to make themselves heard and respond if we go to the vote."

You have led your Region since 2010, your mandate will expire next year. What will he do next?

«In the last elections I came close to 80%. All the people I hear ask me to continue."

Do you still hope that the Government will remove the limits on re-nomination?

«Mayor and governor are the only positions with this obstacle. Paradoxically, I could be a parliamentarian for life, but not the president of the region."

Are you not interested in leading the League?

«It's not a topic for discussion, and it's not up to me either. Seneca says that life is not short, it is man who makes it short by wondering what he will do tomorrow. Politics is full of people who have ruined themselves because of the desire to decide their future."

Michele Ruffi

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