Lombardy Governor Roberto Maroni
shrugged off criticisms from Italy's premier, saying Wednesday
that the region "did what it had to do" in raising concerns that
Milan Expo 2015 may not be ready in time for the event's
opening.
"We did what we had to do...so his accusations are totally
unfounded," Maroni said in response to complaints from Premier
Matteo Renzi that Maroni was creating controversy.
One day earlier, Maroni said there is a risk that Milan
Expo 2015 structures may not be complete by the April 30
deadline.
The World's Fair is scheduled to open on May 1 and continue
through October 31 next year in an area of more than 100
hectares near Milan's massive Rho Pero trade fair exhibition
centre.
Renzi, on a trade mission to China, responded Tuesday by
saying that Maroni should not raise "sterile controversy" but
instead "reflect on the responsibility of Lombardy" to ensure a
successful Expo.
The pair come from different political parties: Renzi leads
the centre-left Democratic Party while Maroni represents the
regionalist Northern League.
So far 144 countries, representing 94% of the world's
population, and three international organizations are set to put
their best on show.
Maroni's deadline warning comes as prosecutors probe
alleged bid-rigging and corruption among Expo organizers in
Milan.
Expo is expected to attract over 20 million visitors
and to be a massive money spinner for Italy's business capital.
Preparations on the site have been underway for years.
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