The square of Ferrarese in Bari is filled with people, responding to the call of the Democratic Party to show support for Mayor Antonio Decaro, who has been at the center of attention due to the announcement of a ministerial commission that will investigate the ties between the local mafia and the city administration. The slogan of the demonstration is “Hands off Bari #IStandWithDecaro”, organized by CGIL and the Democratic Party as a sign of solidarity with the mayor. Students on stage recount the story of the “Codice Interno” investigation, which led to the dismantling of the Parisi-Palermiti clans and exposed ties to some politicians. The steps that led to the Minister of the Interior appointing an Antimafia Commission to the Municipality are also highlighted. Decaro stated that the city’s response shows that Bari will not be blackmailed by the mafia or politicians, as it has worked hard over the past 20 years to improve and reclaim its dignity.
During the event, boos were directed at Maurizio Gasparri and center-right parliamentarians, who called for further investigations by the Ministry of the Interior. President of the Puglia Region Emiliano stated that the commission was not a necessary action, as the municipality is nearing the end of its term. He emphasized that there was no urgency for the investigations, as they could have been carried out after the elections, and accused the opposition of using the issue for electoral purposes. Emiliano criticized the opposition for not understanding the needs and concerns of the community and trying to sway voters against the current administration under the pretext of prevention measures.
Despite the criticisms, Mayor Decaro remained steadfast in his determination to continue his work in improving the city and standing up against any attempts of blackmail. He praised the city for its response to the situation and its resilience in the face of challenges. Decaro emphasized that Bari has made significant progress in the past two decades and has grown stronger and more united as a community. He urged the people to continue supporting the city’s efforts to combat mafia influence and to remain united against any external threats. The mayor’s message resonated with the crowd, who showed their support and solidarity with his leadership.
The demonstration in Piazza del Ferrarese in Bari was a powerful show of unity and support for Mayor Decaro in the face of the ongoing investigations into mafia ties within the city administration. The event was organized by the Democratic Party and CGIL as a sign of solidarity with the mayor and a rejection of any attempts to undermine the progress that the city has made in recent years. Despite criticisms from the opposition, the community came together to show that they stand with their mayor and are committed to continuing the work of improving their city and reclaiming its dignity. The strong message of resilience and determination sent a clear signal that Bari will not be intimidated by external forces, whether they be mafia-related or political in nature.
