The Italian deputy Fabio Porta (PD), elected by the South America Division, expressed, this Thursday (5), concern about the lack of efficiency and transparency in the work of the Italian honorary consulates in Salvador (Bahia) and Fortaleza (Ceará).
Porta highlighted that, in recent months, Italians living in Bahia and Ceará have reported dissatisfaction with consular services, especially in the case of Fortaleza, where a petition signed by community members denounces the inefficiency and lack of adequate assistance on the part of the consulate.
The parliamentarian acknowledged that honorary consulates face resource and structure limitations, but emphasized that those responsible for these positions assume the obligation to offer continuous, dignified and accessible services.
“We recognize that these positions are assigned based on voluntary applications from people who are aware of the responsibility of ensuring a dignified, continuous and accessible service. In the two cases mentioned, this has not been the case for a long time. In addition to the low efficiency, there are other issues that are being investigated by the competent authorities,” Porta said in a statement to the Italianism.
Controversial decoration
Porta also questioned the Vittorio Ghia's recent award, Honorary Consul of Fortaleza, who received the title of Knight of the Order of Solidarity.
For the deputy, this honor should have been suspended out of respect for the countless Italian citizens who have demanded improvements in the city's consular services.
Clarifications and urgent actions
In view of the growing complaints, Porta stated that he will request clarification from the Italian government about the situation of the two consulates and propose immediate measures to better meet the demands of the Italian community in Brazil. “Regarding these situations, I will ask the government for clarification and, if necessary, urgent and appropriate interventions,” he emphasized.
