opinion

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The war on bags

Policy decision met with resistance and political blame

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Write to the Mayor

Dear Matteo, I was very pleased to have been able to participate at the Leopolda 4 and to listen to your proposals for change. However, I do not believe it makes sense to grant nationality to any child born in Italy or any other Western country. In a world where

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Help a reader with an important memory

The Florentine has received a request from a reader and we'd really like to be able to help. Steve, from East Victoria Park in Western Australia, has happy memories of his visit to Pisa and Tuscany. Soon after this trip, he became paralyzed. Now his favourite souvenir from Pisa

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Matteo Renzi answers a reader’s letter about promoting Florence

Dear Mayor Renzi, My name is Terry Cook and I live in Australia, but I am originally from England. I am 71 years old. I have visited Florence many times and I love the city. I sing its praises to all here in Australia and do everything I can to

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Matteo Renzi answers a reader’s letter about pedestrianization

Caro Mayor Renzi, My wife and I visited your beautiful city three weeks ago. We had absolutely beautiful weather! The last time that we had stayed in Firenze was 2009 and we rented an apartment near Duomo, called Palazzo Gamba. At the time the streets were not closed to traffic.

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Matteo Renzi answers a reader’s letter about bike thefts

Dear Matteo, I parked my bike in a busy road at 3pm today, went upstairs and looked out of the window 1 hour later to see a wheel was left. The bike next to mine had its wheel taken, too. This means in broad daylight, seen by passers-by, someone

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Mayor Renzi answers a reader’s letter about buying train tickets

Dear Mayor Renzi, Each July for the past 12 years, I have been teaching students from the California State University campuses in Florence. Since you became mayor, my wife and I marvel at the great improvements you have made. It is more of a walking city than it ever has

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In this issue Matteo Renzi answers a reader’s letter about new garbage containers

Dear Matteo Renzi,   We just wanted you to know how wonderful Florence looks. We have been coming here for years and love the city. The new garbage containers are very attractive. They certainly look better then the old ones. Every bit of cost is worth it. For such a

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Matteo Renzi answers a reader’s query about internet access in Florence

Dear Matteo Renzi, I am a retired civil servant living on a pension and this vacation is very likely a ‘once-in-a-lifetime event’ for us. I, probably more than other retirees, and the members of my family have become quite dependent on our electronic devices. We

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Matteo Renzi answers a reader’s query about international musicians in Florence

Write the Mayor   Dear Matteo Renzi, Until recently (a couple of years ago) visiting choirs and orchestras were well publicised in The Florentine, on walls and the post office arcade well in advance of their occurrence.   Now it seems to be a total mystery. A notice is posted

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Matteo Renzi answers a reader’s query about high ice cream prices

Dear Mayor Renzi, I have just enjoyed a few days in Florence seeing some wonderful sights and meeting some great locals. This was my first trip to Florence and Italy and after seeing Pisa and Lucca, Florence was the next on my trip. Things went very well, but I felt

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Letters from the editors

Dear readers and friends,   As many of you may already know, I will be on maternity leave as of this issue. Unfortunately, my leave from The Florentine will not ...

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Matteo Renzi answers a reader’s query about changes at the Cascine

Caro Sindaco, I live near the Cascine and, like most Florentines, I’ve used our park the whole of my life, as a kid to kick a ball around, then as an adult when I went jogging there practically every day. Now that I’m not so young

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Matteo Renzi answers a reader’s query about improving Florence’s parks

Dear Mayor Renzi, I am a Florentine and a mother here in Florence. I am happy to raise my son here. I was a little shocked to read your post in TF 181 about your program regarding city greenery and parks. It makes me a little sad that only the

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Letter to the editor

Dear Editor,   I thought that I would take the time to write you a positive note. I know all too often editors hear what readers feel is not working right, and people don’t take the time to write about when something is good.    I would

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Renzi answers a reader’s query about outstanding traffic fines

Dear Mayor Renzi, My wife and I were in Florence in June 2012 and rented a car. However, we were informed in November that we had received a traffic ticket. We are confused about this because we were never stopped by the police and given a ticket. We have been

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Mayor Renzi answers readers’ complaints about lack of greenery and nighttime noise

Dear Mayor Renzi, I’m writing you with the purpose of highlighting the insufficient amount of greenery in the historic center of Florence, and in particular in its central squares. While the temperatures in summer are very high, and there are many people during the day touring in the

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Mayor Renzi replies to a reader’s queries about renovations at the Cascine park

Dear Mayor Renzi,   I fell in love with Florence at first sight 15 years ago, and if anything, my love for your incomparable city has grown since then. It’s not only the glories of manmade Florence that makes it so special—the art, architecture, food, the

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Mayor Renzi answers a letter on incorrect signage and accepts kudos

Dear Mayor Renzi, I recently read a letter to you complaining about rude people in the city of Florence. I had to take a moment to tell you that I could not disagree more.   I have been to Florence many times and the only rude people I have met

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Mayor Renzi answers questions on the safety and cleanliness of city streets

Dear Mayor Renzi, We have been visiting your city for a couple of months. It is a beautiful city and we have enjoyed walking around and enjoying the side streets. However, we are appalled at the amount of dog faeces that seem to be everywhere (often, unfortunately, stepping into it).

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Matteo Renzi answers a reader’s question about incorrect signage in Florence

Dear Mayor Renzi, I love your city and have been fortunate enough to visit it often with friends over the last several years. Sometimes I would stay for a few weeks; now I try to stay for a month or two at a time. While most of the changes that

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Matteo Renzi answers a reader’s complaint about the San Lorenzo street market

Sir,  I understand you want to free San Lorenzo from the booths. Actually it seems more like Iran, Pakistan or China than Florence. But I hope you will not replace them with an invasion of gazebos, tents or platforms for tables for outdoor eating. Also, I hope you will

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Letters to the Editor

Edison bookstore I am writing to you to express my deep frustration and disappointment with the imminent closing of Edison Bookstore and my hope to better understand the future use of the space. Edison has been essential to my education, as it is one of the only public spaces open

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The don’t miss list – Nov 8 to 21

Our events listing keeps you up-to-date on the latest and greatest in culture, music and other English-friendly entertainment. This is a selection of the best of them.     WHITE TRUFFLES/Sagra del Tartufo Bianco November 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25. Historic centre of San

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