Politics · Italy · 9 hrs ago
Trento council dispute over Vason sidewalk prompts opposition walkout
Trento’s city council argued over a proposal to study building a sidewalk in Vason, on Monte Bondone.
The proposal came from councillor Daniele Dematté and concerned a technical and economic feasibility study.
After councillors discussed earlier calls for the sidewalk, Mayor Franco Ianeselli said he would vote against the proposal because he believed councillor Alex Benetti was being mocked.
The proposal was rejected by 21 votes to 15, with one abstention.
Most opposition councillors then left the chamber in protest, and later accused Ianeselli of being hostile and unwilling to allow debate.
Ianeselli called the dispute a constant “theatrical performance”; the disagreement has become a wider clash between the mayor and opposition groups in the council.
Trento opposition councillors walked out of a council meeting after a dispute over a proposed sidewalk in Vason.
The debate concerned an opposition motion on a technical and economic feasibility study for building the sidewalk on Monte Bondone.
Mayor Franco Ianeselli said he intended to vote against the motion because of what he called mockery of councillor Alex Benetti.
The motion was rejected by 21 votes to 15, with one abstention.
Opposition groups later accused Ianeselli of hostility and imposing his will, while he described the dispute as a recurring political spectacle.
- Who
- Trento Mayor Franco Ianeselli and opposition councillors.
- What
- Opposition councillors walked out after a heated dispute over a motion concerning a proposed sidewalk in Vason.
- When
- The council debate took place on Thursday evening; opposition councillors reiterated their criticism on Saturday.
- Where
- Trento city council; the proposed sidewalk is in Vason, on Monte Bondone.
- Why
- Ianeselli said he intended to oppose the motion because of what he called mockery of councillor Alex Benetti.
Trento opposition councillors
Franco Ianeselli
Conduct in the council
Trento opposition councillors
The opposition said Ianeselli was hostile, disrespectful and imposing his will.
Franco Ianeselli
Ianeselli said he was reacting to mockery of councillor Alex Benetti.
Handling of the motion
Trento opposition councillors
The opposition objected that the mayor urged councillors to vote against a motion that had received an initial approval from an assessor.
Franco Ianeselli
Ianeselli said he intended to vote against the motion because of the treatment of Benetti.
The council discussed an opposition motion on a feasibility study for a sidewalk in Vason.
Ianeselli said he intended to vote against the motion, and the vote was 21 against, 15 in favour and one abstention.
Opposition councillors, except Sara Bertoldi, left the council chamber in protest.
Ianeselli’s council majority met at Malga Brigolina to discuss city needs, including housing, security and family services.
Opposition councillors held a news conference and renewed their criticism of the mayor.
- Motion presenter
- Daniele Dematté, Fratelli d’Italia
- Proposed sidewalk
- Vason, Monte Bondone
- Vote
- 21 against, 15 in favour, 1 abstention
- Walkout
- Opposition councillors left, except Sara Bertoldi
- News conference
- Saturday
What people are saying
The mayor’s attitude is worthy of the greatest totalitarian regimes.
We see an attitude of hostility towards the council.
It is the most shameful page since I became a councillor.
I am truly sorry for this constant spectacle.