A recent article published by Amah-Rose Abrams for Artnet stated that the city of Rome has issued a public plea for €500 million destined for essential repairs to the ancient city which it cannot pay for, as Rome is €12 billion (US$13 billion) in debt. This petition was issued by Francesco Paolo Tronca, the Italian official assigned for running Rome last November after last year's corruption scandal. Tronca is the author of a breakthrough project involving italian fashion houses such as Fendi, Bulgari and Tod's to restore iconic Roman sites such as Trevi Fountain (Fendi), the Coliseum ( Tod's) and the Spanish Steps (Bulgari). "We need new strategic ideas. We have to create a link between the people living above the modern city and the ancient city that lies beneath them," Tronca told AFP. "We need help to ensure Rome continues to be a reference point in terms of beauty for the whole world," he added. Donations of any amount destined to restoration of ancient Roman sites received either by private companies or individuals will be rewarded with a "credit" which has not yet been clarified by roman officials.