Premier Matteo Renzi's
suggestion that his government is set to support a bid for Rome
to host the 2024 Olympics has sparked both delight and dismay.
"If we manage to put the tax system and the civil service
straight, we'll do the Olympics with our eyes closed," Renzi
said Thursday, adding that an announcement will be made on
December 15.
"They can't scare us. Organising them (the games) will be
easier... no project is too big for Italy".
Rome's bid to host the 2020 Olympics was dropped in
February 2012 by then-premier Mario Monti who suggested that
Italy, with all of its debts and serious economic problems,
could not afford such an expensive venture.
Matteo Salvini, leader of the separatist, opposition
Northern League party, says little has changed since.
"Renzi is a dangerous man," Salvini told ANSA when asked
about the prospect of Rome running for the 2024 Games.
"We still have the white elephants of the (2006) Winter
Olympics in Turin and the debts of the (2009) swimming world
championships in Rome".
Several figures in Italian sport, however, welcomed the
news.
"Renzi's comments make us happy," Giovanni Malagò, the
head of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), told ANSA.
"It shows his sensitivity to the world of sport".
Rome hosted the 1960 Olympics and carried off a
largely successful edition of the World Swimming Championships
in 2009.
Many of the required sports facilities are up and running
and would only need upgrading.
These include the Stadio Olimpico which has a running track
for athletics, and the pool used for the swimming races at the
2009 world championships.
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