La Verna: «Widespread Degradation and Lack of Essential Services»

Arezzo, 2 July 2025 – «Despite the resounding proclamations of the Mayor and the administration regarding the commitment made to tourism, the beauty of our municipality and urban decorum, the minority group cannot help but denounce a very different reality, as unfortunately demonstrated by the numerous photographs circulating among citizens.

The promises of a welcoming and well-kept town clash with an evident and worrying lack of maintenance that is transforming Chiusi della Verna into a sloppy and unattractive place for those who decide to visit it.

It is incomprehensible how, in the face of the introduction of new charges for visitors, such as some paid car parks and the tourist tax, the administration does not even guarantee basic services and adequate decorum. It seems that the strategy is to charge more, offering less and less in exchange.

Widespread Degradation and Lack of Essential Services The situation of degradation is widespread and visible in many areas of the territory. The areas that should represent the pride of our municipality, welcoming visitors and encouraging them to return, are instead invaded by uncultivated vegetation and lack the necessary maintenance, as are the many paths without adequate signage. Avenues, squares and even panoramic points are in such conditions as to discourage any visitor. This is a real "bad business card" for the municipality of Chiusi della Verna, a negative message that violently contrasts with the potential of our territory.

Added to this desolate situation is the worrying erosion of essential services for residents and tourists. Since Tellini Giampaolo took office as Mayor of Chiusi della Verna, we have only witnessed a significant decline in services to citizens and tourists. In recent years, the municipality of Chiusi della Verna has seen the removal of the medical emergency service, a reduction in the opening hours of the post office (no longer open all week), the closure of the only bank, problems with general practitioners (in which the mayor has interfered, creating even more disservices), the loss of the pediatrician, and the list would be long... (And there are facts and evidence that much of the responsibility is to be attributed to the mayor)

Furthermore, no concrete tourist attractions have been developed. Despite the Mayor's constant proclamations regarding funds found and future projects, the reality on the ground is one of unfulfilled promises and obvious inaction that undermines the vitality of the municipality.

The Contradictions of the Administration and Their Consequences We ask ourselves: how can an administration that claims to be attentive to tourism and local development allow the most frequented and representative areas to be left in this state and for essential services to be progressively dismantled? The proclamations that we often see on social media or in newspapers, about the enhancement of our natural and historical beauties lose credibility when faced with the evidence of widespread neglect and choices, or non-choices, that are impoverishing the territory. The ambition declared by the Mayor, in the last interview, of wanting to be among the "most beautiful villages in Italy" seems at least out of place in the face of this reality. Taking stock of what has been done over the years, one understands the lack of foresight and understanding of the problem.

Tourism is a fundamental resource for the economy and vitality of our municipality. Attracting visitors means bringing new resources, supporting commercial activities and creating opportunities and fertile ground for new families to move. However, if the image we offer is that of neglected places, without services and not cared for, the risk is that of alienating those who, with their presence, could contribute to the well-being of our community. What is not understood by this administration is that no one is willing to go and live in a place that costs more, has no services and where there is no work to be found.

Even municipal cemeteries, places that should be a symbol of respect and memory, are often left in a state of abandonment, with tall grass and poor care that denotes an unacceptable lack of attention. This is not only an aesthetic problem, but a profound sign of disinterest in the places that remind us of our history and the people we love.

Minority Group Appeal: Concrete Actions, Not Just Words The minority group demands that the administration take immediate action to reverse this trend. Words are not enough; concrete and urgent actions are needed to restore dignity and decorum to our municipality, while ensuring essential services to citizens and creating real attractions for visitors. Intentions must be demonstrated by facts and not just by empty proclamations.

The Minority Councilors

Claudio Loddi, Gilberto Gabelli and Giacomo Bernacchi