Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – The emergency caused by the truckers' protests is gradually easing, with the removal of protests in several regions of Southern Italy and the gradual resumption of traffic and supplies. In Campania, all truckers' and farmers' protests on the highway network in the Caserta and Salerno areas were removed overnight. The protest on Via Argine, in East Naples, near one of the city's refineries, was also disbanded: law enforcement escorted the vehicles headed to the gas stations to facilitate the resumption of supplies.
Earlier, truck drivers had marched peacefully to the refinery, moving at a snail's pace to protest the high fuel prices.
The situation, however, remains evolving, and a return to normality will take time, especially to recover from delays in fuel and goods distribution. In Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata, and Sicily, mobilization has also gradually decreased, with numerous initiatives suspended and several roadblocks lifted.
The removal of the protests represents an important sign of a return to normalcy, even though the economic dispute remains open within the industry, which is challenging the rising diesel costs and demanding adequate measures to support businesses.
Yesterday, the Council of Ministers approved a €175,2 million aid package to address fuel prices and support the hardest-hit sectors. The bulk of the package, €105,2 million, is earmarked for road haulage; €60 million for agriculture; and €10 million for fishing.
Truck drivers will receive additional funds for the diesel tax credit, as well as the option to suspend some vehicle leasing payments until March 31, 2027.
The measure aims to reduce costs for businesses and encourage business recovery. Some truck drivers, however, consider the measures insufficient compared to the increase in operating costs and are calling for more aggressive measures.
The Strike Guarantee Commission also intervened in the matter, alerting the competent authorities to the risks associated with the continuation of the blockades. The Guarantor emphasized the need to protect freedom of movement, the health and safety of citizens, as well as guarantee the distribution of basic necessities and the continuity of essential services.
The Commission therefore urged the adoption of the necessary measures, requesting that the requisition also be evaluated. However, this is not a measure already in place: the request aims to facilitate the resumption of deliveries and prevent any residual blockages from further compromising essential services.
The protest has also come under scrutiny from the judiciary. The Naples Prosecutor's Office has launched investigations into the possible infiltration of organized crime into the truckers' mobilization, to determine whether there was any pressure, threats, or intimidation against those intending to continue working.
These are investigative hypotheses yet to be verified, and cannot be extended to the entire category. The goal is to clarify whether, in addition to the financial demands related to high diesel prices, there were attempts at criminal influence.
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