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Italy's record-breaking bridge project halted by auditors

Today, 31/10/2025, 12:02

Image courtesy of Webuild Group

Italy’s government is vowing to push ahead with its flagship bridge project despite the Court of Auditors blocking the €13 billion scheme, setting up a potential constitutional clash over the mega-infrastructure plan.

At 3.3 kilometers across the Strait of Messina, it would become the world’s longest suspension bridge. Politicians had given the green light and everything appeared settled after decades of debate.

But now the Italian prestige project has been stopped in its tracks.

The Court of Auditors, which oversees public spending in the country, has put its foot down and rejected the scheme.

The bridge carries an estimated price tag of around €13 billion to construct, which many critics have argued is far too high. They have also raised concerns about negative environmental impacts.

Defiant response

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was far from pleased with the Court of Auditors’ decision and publicly criticized the ruling.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, who also serves as infrastructure minister, was equally critical. He called the decision “a major blow to the country.”

He also emphasized that the government remains determined to move forward with the project.