10.06.2020 – 18.15 – After a much debated decision from ANAC (Italian surveillance authority against corruption) assuming the invalidity of Zeno D’Agostino appointment as president of the port network authority of the Eastern Adriatic Sean and consequent appointment of Mario Sommariva, on Friday June 6, as Commissioner by the Secretary of Infrastructures and Transportation, Paola De Micheli, Sommariva confirmed all acts and deeds adopted between 2016 to this day are valid.
ANAC believes that Zeno D’Agostino could not be appointed as President of the Port Network Authority of the Eastern Adriatic Sea, being at the same time chairperson of Trieste Terminal Passeggeri, which is the local company entrusted with the management of cruise services. In Trieste Terminal Passeggeri, or TTP, the Authority holds a 40 percent stake. The decision from ANAC dates back to March 16, 2020, but the Port of Trieste headquarters were notified only a few days ago. The appointment of Sommariva, currently the Secretary General of the Port of Trieste, ensures the continuity of the Authority’s management and the conclusion of all ongoing projects. Ms. Paola De Micheli restated also that all acts and deeds adopted during D’Agostino’s terms of office remain valid and in force. “I would like to thank Minister Paola De Micheli for trusting me”, said Sommariva. “My appointment is meant to ensure stability and continuity for the time necessary to fully re-establish its institutions, which I hope will take place as soon as possible. The port is the economic engine of the city, and it cannot stop not even slow down its pace of development”. Sommariva, a native of Genoa, has extensive experience in the maritime and port sectors. In addition to having worked as Secretary General of the Port of Trieste since 2016, and of the Port of Bari from 2007 to 2014, he served in leadership positions in port labour and social matters.
Today, a petition in favour of Zeno D’Agostino returning as president of Trieste Port as soon as possible, started by Francesco Russo (Vice President of Friuli Venezia Giulia region) was sent to Paola De Micheli after it reached 10.000 signatures, stating the appreciation of Trieste citizens for what D’Agostino has done.
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