by InTrieste
A ceremony meant to celebrate the city’s achievements and humanitarian efforts became a flashpoint for political tensions this week when a special award for migrant aid work prompted protests from local leaders.
Marianna Buttignoni, representing the organization Linea d’Ombra, accepted a special plaque on behalf of the “Rete Solidale Trieste” network during the San Giusto d’Oro award ceremony. The network’s efforts to assist migrants passing through the city’s Piazza Libertà—many of whom lack access to shelter or basic facilities—were recognized. However, her acceptance speech, which called for greater attention to the plight of these migrants, led Trieste’s mayor, Roberto Dipiazza, to walk out of the city council chamber in protest. Regional Councillors Pierpaolo Roberti and Fabio Scoccimarro followed suit.
The San Giusto d’Oro award, organized by the regional journalists’ association Assostampa FVG, also honored Enrico Samer, a prominent logistics entrepreneur. Samer, the first representative of the economic sector to receive the award in its 58-year history, struck a conciliatory tone in his remarks, saying, “I am honored to share this day with those dedicated to volunteering,” while acknowledging the work of the migrant aid network.
Balancing Recognition and Responsibility
Carlo Muscatello, president of Assostampa FVG, defended the decision to highlight both Trieste’s economic achievements and its humanitarian efforts. “We are particularly proud to have united two faces of Trieste: the city of work, the future, the sea, and the port embodied by Enrico Samer, and the city that extends a hand to the most vulnerable,” Muscatello said. “I’m convinced the mayor will eventually understand our choice.”
The ceremony’s contentious moment underscored ongoing debates in Trieste over the city’s handling of migrant flows along the Balkan Route. The mayor, who has often highlighted the city’s substantial expenditures on social services, said prior to the event, “I am responsible for 200 foreign minors and 250 homeless people. We spend 104 million euros a year; we can’t do more than this. These associations that care for the unfortunate arriving via the Balkan Route are also necessary.”
Reactions to the Walkout
In a statement issued after the walkout, Councillor Roberti criticized the event as lacking in civility. “What happened today represents the lowest point of a trajectory that has nothing to do with civil discourse or dialogue among people who are entitled to hold different opinions and perspectives,” he said.
Meanwhile, the broader significance of the San Giusto d’Oro awards—which aim to honor individuals and organizations that contribute to Trieste’s identity—was not lost on attendees. Samer’s recognition highlighted the city’s role as a global logistics hub, while the award for migrant aid underscored the ongoing humanitarian challenges in this border city.
As Trieste continues to grapple with its dual identity as both a thriving economic center and a key transit point for migrants, the ceremony reflected the city’s broader struggles to balance these roles. The tension between local leaders and aid groups is likely to remain a focal point in the months ahead.
