interview: Maximiliano Crocamo
Interviewee: Trieste Finance Councilor, Everest Bertoli
The Trieste city government has approved its fifth budget adjustment for 2026, allocating more than €20.7 million in revised spending, including over €14.2 million for new capital investments in public infrastructure, schools, parks and mobility projects.
The measure, approved Tuesday by the municipal executive, now moves to the City Council, which has up to 60 days to complete the approval process. According to Finance Councilor Everest Bertoli, the funds are already available for use.
The largest share of new investment spending is directed toward public infrastructure. The city has earmarked more than €1.7 million for municipal buildings, including maintenance of public facilities, technical systems, the Via Corelli park, and the heating system of the church in Basovizza.
Roads and sidewalks will receive just over €1 million in additional funding, while €4.14 million has been allocated to support the expansion of the convention center in Porto Vecchio-Porto Vivo through a public-private partnership. The project is part of a broader redevelopment of Magazzino 27 bis, valued at more than €8 million.
Education and sports facilities account for another significant portion of the plan. The city will invest about €2 million in maintenance for schools and kindergartens, along with additional funding for recreation centers, school gyms, sports facilities, and upgrades to the Semi di Mela and Nuvola Olga daycare centers.
Environmental projects will receive €1.75 million for the maintenance of parks, gardens, trees and playgrounds. Additional funding includes nearly €295,000 for private building-related reimbursements, €100,000 to improve pedestrian crossing safety, €100,000 for the maintenance of public fountains, and €290,000 for work at the Sant’Anna cemetery.
The operating budget does not introduce new discretionary spending but incorporates existing reserves and regional transfers. Among the main items are €3.5 million to cover salary increases resulting from renewed regional labor contracts for municipal employees, €280,000 for costs associated with collecting unpaid municipal fines, and increased funding for market maintenance, staff training, digital services, and information technology support.
The adjustment also reflects approximately €3.8 million in earmarked regional transfers for 2026, primarily for social services, with additional funding planned for 2027 and 2028.
