Farmers Prepare Protest Over Unpaid Expropriation Compensation
Farmers who in 1993 had land expropriated for the construction of the bypass, yet still not fully compensated, are turning their words into action. Today, they will gather to organize their protest.
Upcoming Initiatives
Three initiatives are under consideration: a parliamentary inquiry, a complaint against Anas for non-compliance, and a road blockade with tractors.
The meeting, organized by Coltivatori Diretti, is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the civic hall of the ex Menghini nursery. In the same venue, representatives of the companies had previously met on October 18 to discuss the same issue.
Meanwhile, a lawyer, Claudio Anghinoni, has been tasked with studying and managing the case, since the exact number of affected individuals is unknown. Mayor Sigurtà initially suggested 166, but considering family units, the number of companies ranges between 40 and 50.
Status of Compensation and Legal Actions
Today, the lawyer will collect documentation to quantify the indemnities. So far, Anas has paid 80 percent, but the balance has not yet been settled.
“The remaining amount,” explains the president of Coldiretti castiglionese Magagnotti, “could increase with additional charges and interest.”
“The meeting,” he added, “primarily has a technical-bureaucratic nature; but not only. We will definitely consider the decisions to be made to assert the rights of those expropriated.”
A group of farmers from Brescia, facing the same conditions as those in Mantua and equally frustrated by this longstanding unresolved issue, are in a similar situation. The mayor of Castiglione informed us that Anas expects to have the necessary funding available soon, but we want this long and arduous saga to be definitively concluded.”
Current Situation and Institutional Positions
Deputy provincial director of Coldiretti, Carlo Anselmi, explained he received a letter indicating that the prefect is available for a meeting and noted that Anas is working to secure the funds needed for the final payments.
“The truth is,” he commented, “that we are not yet facing an immediate solution. At this point, the farmers will determine, with legal counsel, the most appropriate attitude to adopt.”
Protests and Future Outlook
The situation has worsened over time. Initially, those affected patiently waited for developments; then they increasingly voiced their concerns, repeatedly (and unsuccessfully) urging Anas.
Now, two years after the opening of the bypass, they are preparing to formalize and plan a public protest.