Italian truckers block ports in Sicily as Salvini promises €430M in funds

Italian truckers are protesting across the south, blocking ports in Sicily and holding demonstrations in Campania and Puglia, prompting Transport Minister Matteo Salvini to hold crisis talks in Milan. He promised to release €430 million in already-allocated funds this week, with additional resources to follow. Salvini stated he is working to overcome bureaucratic obstacles so payments begin immediately, as many companies cannot wait. He also mentioned potential extra funds, including cash availability for the Marebonus scheme, and discussions with Brussels over European regulations limiting fleet renewal funds. Talks are ongoing with national and local representatives. The protests have caused significant disruption, including supermarket shortages in Messina and halted waste collection in at least 15 municipalities. In Palermo, around 100 trucks are parked at the motorway entrance and 30 at the port. The Sicilian Transport Committee says it is only blocking port operations, not roads, and will lift the protest if Salvini signs formal commitments.