The mayor discusses the financial crisis in Europe that began in 2007 and affected countries like Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Ireland. It has impacted the town's finances by reducing funds available for public services like waste disposal and schools. To overcome the crisis, the town avoids piling up debts, invests in revenue-generating activities, supports local businesses to stay open, and economizes where possible. The mayor advises young people to develop their European identity and skills honestly while staying positive role models. However, the town council has limited ability to directly help youth due to tight budgets focused on existing needs like unemployment.

1. COMENIUS PROJECT
2013-2015
CRISIS ? WHAT CRISIS?
An Interview with
the Mayor of Artogne,
Gian Piero Cesari

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.