The closure of Mirafiori: a blow to Italy’s economic fabric
The temporary shutdown of Stellantis’ Mirafiori plant is a severe threat to both local and national economies. According to Unimpresa, this is not just a temporary issue but a clear sign of shortsighted industrial management that endangers the small and medium-sized businesses reliant on the automotive giant.
The repercussions extend across the production chain, affecting thousands of workers and small businesses, such as car repair shops and component suppliers. While Stellantis continues to post billion-dollar global profits, the social cost of these decisions falls squarely on the shoulders of small businesses and families.
The green transition: a neglected challenge in Italy
Unimpresa president Giovanna Ferrara has criticized the lack of a structured approach to the green transition in Italy. Unlike other European countries that offer incentives and proper infrastructure, the electric vehicle market in Italy represents just 4% of total car sales.
Ferrara argues that without credible incentives and modern infrastructure, Italy risks falling behind its European competitors. This lack of strategy makes the transition an unbearable burden for small businesses already struggling with economic challenges.
Corporate social responsibility under scrutiny
Stellantis claims to uphold a policy of corporate social responsibility, but this seems absent when protecting thousands of indirect jobs. The closure of Mirafiori calls into question the company’s commitment to supporting Italy’s historic production hubs.
Unimpresa’s demands: urgent actions to save the automotive sector
Unimpresa calls on the Italian government to take immediate action to prevent the temporary closure of Mirafiori from becoming permanent. Proposed measures include:
- Incentives for electric vehicle purchases.
- An extraordinary plan to sustain the production chain.
- Clear regulations to ensure that multinationals like Stellantis assume responsibility for their impact on local communities and workers.
Ferrara emphasizes the urgency of protecting Italy’s economic fabric from industrial strategies focused solely on short-term profits.
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