Thousands of people marched in Messina, Sicily, on Saturday (9 August) protesting against a government plan to build the world’s longest suspension bridge connecting the Italian mainland to Sicily.
The €13.5 billion ($15.5 billion) project, approved recently by a government committee overseeing strategic public investments, faces strong opposition due to concerns over its massive scale, earthquake risks, environmental impact, and potential mafia interference.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, the project’s main supporter, called it “the biggest infrastructure project in the West,” citing studies that predict up to 120,000 annual jobs and economic growth for southern Italy, boosted by billions invested in related road and infrastructure upgrades. The bridge would span nearly 3.7 km (2.2 miles), with a suspended section of 3.3 km (over 2 miles), surpassing Çanakkale Bridge by 1,277 metres to become the longest suspension bridge worldwide.
Preliminary work could start as early as late September or October pending Italy’s Court of Audit approval, with full construction set for 2026 and completion aimed between 2032 and 2033. The bridge, featuring three lanes each way and a double-track railway, would cut ferry crossing times from up to 100 minutes to just 10 minutes by car, while trains would save about 2.5 hours.
The government also plans to classify the bridge as defence-related infrastructure, supporting Italy’s NATO goal to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP. The bridge would serve as a strategic corridor for rapid military movement and equipment deployment.
Opponents remain unconvinced, angered that around 500 families must be expropriated, despite Salvini’s promises of compensation.
Environmental groups have filed complaints with the European Union over threats to migratory birds, while Italy’s president insists on strict anti-mafia legislation for the project.
Protesters in Messina carried banners reading “No Ponte” (“No Bridge”), chanting that the Strait of Messina “can’t be touched.”
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is expected to visit Washington for discussions on Syria’s possible role in the U.S.-led coalition against IS....
Armenia will offer Azerbaijani as an optional subject for 10-12th grade students in three schools from the 2025/2026 academic year as part of a state ...
The official opening of the Art Weekend festival took place on October 31 at the Heydar Aliyev Center, bringing together artists, curators, and cultur...
Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled Serbia’s second-largest city on Saturday, marking one year since a railway station roof collapse killed 16...
Members of a U.S. congressional committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case have stepped up pressure on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to answer ques...
Armenia will offer Azerbaijani as an optional subject for 10-12th grade students in three schools from the 2025/2026 academic year as part of a state programme to develop foreign and regional languages.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled Serbia’s second-largest city on Saturday, marking one year since a railway station roof collapse killed 16 people, a tragedy that has fuelled public outrage over alleged corruption and lack of accountability.
Members of a U.S. congressional committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case have stepped up pressure on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to answer questions about his relationship with the late financier and convicted sex offender, the BBC reported on Saturday.
Confronted with deepening fractures in the global trading system, Asia-Pacific leaders adopted a joint declaration at the close of the annual APEC summit on Saturday, underscoring the need for resilience and shared prosperity in trade.
Reports from CNN say the Pentagon has approved the provision of long range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine after assessing its impact on U.S. stockpiles, while leaving the ultimate decision to President Trump.
Tanzanian police fired tear gas and live rounds on Thursday to disperse protesters in Dar es Salaam and other cities, a day after a disputed election marked by violence and claims of political repression, witnesses said.
Russia launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Ukraine's energy infrastructure and other targets, forcing nationwide power restrictions and killing seven people, including a seven-year-old girl, Ukrainian officials said on Thursday.
The U.S. State Department has ordered the departure of all non-emergency personnel and their family members from Mali, citing escalating security risks as al Qaeda-linked insurgents tighten a fuel blockade on the country.
Argentina has boosted security along its border with Brazil following a large-scale police operation against the Comando Vermelho gang in Rio de Janeiro, which has reportedly left more than 100 people dead since it began on Tuesday.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled Serbia’s second-largest city on Saturday, marking one year since a railway station roof collapse killed 16 people, a tragedy that has fuelled public outrage over alleged corruption and lack of accountability.
Members of a U.S. congressional committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case have stepped up pressure on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to answer questions about his relationship with the late financier and convicted sex offender, the BBC reported on Saturday.
Confronted with deepening fractures in the global trading system, Asia-Pacific leaders adopted a joint declaration at the close of the annual APEC summit on Saturday, underscoring the need for resilience and shared prosperity in trade.
Dozens of countries have yet to secure accommodation for their delegations at the COP30 climate summit, just a week before it begins, prompting host nation Brazil to offer free cruise ship cabins to poorer states in a last-minute effort to guarantee their participation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping told South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday that he was ready to deepen cooperation and work together to address shared challenges, while Lee appealed for Beijing’s support in efforts to revive dialogue with nuclear-armed North Korea.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment