COMENIUS PROJECT 2013-2015

CRISIS ? WHAT CRISIS?

An Interview with the Mayor of Artogne,

Gian Piero Cesari

1- Is there a financial crisis in Europe?

Yes, there is. It started in August 2007 in the USA, then in Europe, including Italy.In 2011 it affected Greece, Portugal , Spain and Ireland a lot.Big financiers made false claims, invested in risky ventures and financial speculations.Unscrupulous speculators got lots of credit facilities and loans.

1- Is there a financial crisis in Europe?

Unscrupulous speculators got lots of credit facilities and loans.They did not deserve it because they didn’t use the loans for the benefit of the community.Banks need to get money to give entrepreneurs who work and pay salaries to their workers.If there is no money, it means unemployment increases.

2- How does it affect your business?

The Town Council has less money, so it finds it difficult to give to all the public utilities.It has to increase taxes to help pay for:the disposal of waste material;charges for the Infant School;charges for the school bus.

2- How does it affect your business?

It can give only a small amount for people in the ‘old people’s home’.The Town Council tries to save money by cutting all that is not absolutely necessary, for example, not to invest in building in public works.Taxes go mainly to the central government and if the Municipality does not do that, then a government official replaces the mayor.

3- What do you do to overcome the crisis?

Not to pile up debts;invest in activities that can give money back to the Municipality;give a contribution to shops in order to keep them open;support money circulation;economize.

4- How could this crisis be avoided and what would your advice be to the young people of Europe?

Maybe it could not be avoided because 80% of the wealth belongs to a few people who play or manipulate the Stock Market.

4- How could this crisis be avoided and what would your advice be to the young people of Europe?

The Mayor advises young citizens to:feel European, keeping their own identity;get European competences;be honest and not be tricksters; be positive;set a good example for themselves and for our

society.

5- What does the Town Council do for young people in Artogne?

Unfortunately the Municipality can not do much as it has to manage the present.It has to pay attention not to increase taxes.If it has little money, it’s for the jobless.

5- What does the Town Council do for young people in Artogne?

The Mayor suggests that young people have to love “Learning” and get good competences for their future.He would love to offer more and that can be possible only if taxes stay in the area for his people.