The TAV in Val di Susa has become the main topic of discussion in the Union (the ruling coalition) Thee people of the Val di Susa have already clearly expressed their “no” and this opinion cannot be ignored.

The TAV in Val di Susa should more correctly be called TAC, Treno ad Alta Capacità, (High Capacity Train) as it is concerned with the transport of goods and not of people.

I’m not prejudiced against the TAC, but before it’s put into effect, a few thorny issues need tackling: 

- the safety of the people connected to the presence of asbestos and uranium in the mountains of the Valley,

 - the economic compatibility with other priorities of the country, according to some estimates, the tunnel could cost up to 13 thousand million Euros, almost all to be paid for by the taxpayer, about four times the cost of the bridge across the Straits of Messina.

- the examination of less costly alternatives, like the strengthening of the current rail system in Val di Susa, which is currently used below its capacity. Alternatives which could be put into effect in a time frame much shorter than the 15 years foreseen for the construction of the 53 kilometres of tunnel.

If there is no confirmation in relation to the economic assumptions about the work, the respect for the health of the people and for the environment, then the TAC cannot go ahead. I don’t believe that a political debate is needed to take this decision, nor do I believe that it is useful for anyone to adopt an “a priori” position pro or contra the TAC.