Relatives of the Morandi Bridge victims: "Waiting for the appeal but with more confidence"

Eight years after the collapse of the Morandi Bridge on August 14, 2018, which claimed the lives of 43 people, families of the victims expressed disappointment over the absence of high-level government representatives during the anniversary commemorations. The ceremony took place in the Certosa district of Genoa, followed by a remembrance event at the Radura della Memoria. Local officials attended, including Mayor Silvia Salis, Prefect Cinzia Torraco, Regional President Marco Bucci, and Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Edoardo Rixi. However, the families had hoped for more prominent national figures to be present, particularly given the recent first-degree court verdict that assigned responsibility to state entities. Egle Possetti, spokesperson for the Committee Remembering the Victims of the Morandi Bridge, stated that while they respected Deputy Minister Rixi's presence and his ongoing support, they had anticipated greater attention from the central government. She noted that the recent verdict, which implicated state officials and highlighted serious errors made by the state regarding the bridge’s concession, warranted higher-level representation. “We were expecting a stronger presence from the central government,” she said. “Clearly, Rixi is here, and we respect him greatly, but I believe more attention should have been given in this situation.” Giuseppe Matti Altadonna, father of Luigi, one of the victims who died at age 35, expressed similar sentiments. He mentioned he had expected Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella to attend, noting that the president has been present at many such events, though less so in Genoa. His comments reflect the broader sentiment among the families that the absence of top-tier political figures felt like a missed opportunity for acknowledgment and accountability. The commemoration was marked by emotional reflections from family members, with Possetti emphasizing how the pain of loss evolves over time but remains constant in its intensity. “When you return to the grief, it feels the same because those people are no longer there,” she said. “They live in your heart, your mind, your photographs, but they’re gone.” Despite the passage of eight years, the memory of the tragedy continues to resonate deeply within the community. Possetti also spoke about the upcoming appeal process following the first-degree verdict. She praised the work of the judiciary and expressed hope that the appeal would begin soon. “We are confident that the verdict aligns with our expectations, as all three lines of accusation resulted in the condemnation of key parties,” she said. While expressing cautious optimism, she emphasized the need to remain vigilant until the legal process concludes. In addition to the commemorative events, the committee is working on creating a memorial that will include artifacts from the site of the collapsed bridge. These items will be distributed to the hometowns of the victims, with plans to establish dedicated spaces in each locality to preserve these remnants. One notable artifact, referred to as Reperto 132, will be included in the memorial, serving as a tangible reminder of the disaster. Regional President Marco Bucci shared a message on social media, highlighting the importance of remembering the victims and ensuring that their memory endures. His message was accompanied by a display on the LED wall at the headquarters of the Ligurian Region in Piazza De Ferrari, where the names of the 43 victims scrolled continuously throughout the evening. This visual tribute aimed to honor the deceased and show solidarity with their families. Deputy Minister Rixi addressed the concerns raised by the families, asserting that the government’s attention to the issue was evident. He explained that his presence at the event was intentional, representing the entire government. “I am here, and I must say that the government’s focus on this matter is clear,” he said. “That is why the Prime Minister wanted me to represent the whole government.” While acknowledging the emotional weight of the occasion, Rixi emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the issues raised by the families and moving forward with necessary actions.