interviews: Azarja Grasselli
The redevelopment of Trieste’s Porto Vecchio (Old Port) is at the center of an ongoing debate in the city council, as political parties weigh differing visions for the historic waterfront’s future.
The project financing proposal, led by Costim in partnership with Elmet and Impresa Percassi, aims to revitalize the port area by focusing on tourism and leisure. However, opposition members argue that this approach risks sidelining commercial opportunities with key markets in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Alberto Pasino, a council member from the Russo Punto Franco list, voiced concerns that an exclusive emphasis on tourism could limit the port’s broader economic potential. “It’s important to consider diverse opportunities, including trade and commercial activities, that could benefit the city in the long term,” Pasino said.
Supporters of the project, including Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, maintain that the plan is vital for the city’s growth. Fedriga has emphasized the need for development, stating that delays caused by political disagreement hinder Trieste’s progress. “The city needs to move forward, and this project offers a clear path to do so,” Fedriga remarked during a recent council session.
Alberto Polacco of Forza Italia also expressed support, pointing to the Ursus Consortium—which includes the regional government, the Municipality of Trieste, and the Port System Authority—as a mechanism designed to attract investment to the area. He noted that initial discussions had been more unified. “The Consortium was established to align efforts in revitalizing the port, and it’s essential that we maintain this focus,” Polacco said.
Tensions have grown in recent weeks, with the council president rejecting several amendments put forward by the opposition. The final vote on the proposal, initially expected this week, has been postponed to the next city council meeting on Monday.
The outcome of this decision is likely to play a key role in determining the direction of Trieste’s economic and urban development in the coming years, as the city navigates the balance between tourism and broader commercial interests.
Interviews: Everest Bertoli, councilor for Financial Policies and Porto Vivo, Francesco Russo, Partito Democratico
