Probe opened into Messina Strait bridge plan

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 21 - Rome prosecutors have opened a probe into the plan to build a bridge across the Strait of Messina connecting Sicily to the Italian mainland after a complaint was presented by opposition lawmakers.
    The complaint was filed on February 1 by centre-left Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein, Nicola Fratoianni of the Italian Left (SI) group and Green MP Angelo Bonelli.
    It regards "planning and implementation activities" for the bridge.
    Premier Giorgia Meloni's government has revived the project to build what would be the world's longest suspension bridge, which had been long delayed due to funding issues as well as fears of mafia infiltration and graft, and seismic and environmental concerns.
    Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, who has said the bridge will cost no more than 12 billion euros spread over 15 years, blasted the opposition politicians for filing the complaint that triggered the probe.
    "Only in Italy is it possible to wage a political battle over a bridge, a motorway, or the TAV (Turin-Lyon high-speed rail link)," said League leader Salvini.
    "The bridge over the Strait is needed to unite millions of Sicilians (with the rest of Italy), pollute less and travel faster.
    "The Democratic Party made a complaint to the prosecutor's office because we want to build a bridge, which it is the right of millions of Italians to have".
    When asked about the likelihood the bridge would be build, from zero to 100, he replied "100". (ANSA).