The Italian Senate has approved a landmark bill introduced by the government, aimed at granting broader autonomous powers to regional authorities. The measure is seen as a major step toward reshaping how land and local governance are organized across the country. With the green light from the upper chamber, the proposal moves to the Transalpine Congress for further examination and refinement. The decision has intensified political debate, drawing sharp reactions from opponents who warn of deepening regional rifts.
One of the fiercest critiques has come from the Democratic Party, the principal opposition bloc. Its leadership, led by Elly Schlein, has openly challenged Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Schlein accused Meloni of aiming to leave a lasting mark on Italy by exacerbating regional disparities. Members of the regionalist and populist forces, including Matteo Salvini’s League and other coalition partners, have offered mixed responses, reflecting the tension between nationalist sentiment and pragmatic governance. Giuseppe Conte, who leads the Five Star Movement, has joined calls for careful scrutiny of the proposal, arguing that the changes could alter the country’s social contract.
Analysts and think tanks have suggested that the bill, as written, would shift a portion of fiscal responsibility and authority to the regions, particularly those in the south. Critics argue this could widen the gap between northern and southern areas, especially in sectors like education administration, cultural assets, foreign trade, energy policy, and relations with the European Union. They contend that while some regions would gain new levers for local taxation and revenue management, the broader question remains whether central oversight is being weakened in ways that could affect national cohesion.
richer north
The stakes are high. A recent scenario analysis from Svimez, a research institute focused on Southern Italy’s development, highlights how revenue coming from income tax and VAT is concentrated in the northern regions—Lombardy, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna—regions that have been most vocal in advocating fresh legislative changes. The combined contribution from these three areas totals roughly 9.0 billion euros, underscoring the potential fiscal imbalances that could arise if regional authorities gain more control over taxation. The concern is that a broader devolution could intensify economic and social gradients between the prosperous north and the poorer south.
Current data from Svimez also underline the geographic disparities in public spending. The organization notes that, at present, the Italian state allocates about 17,621 euros per capita to residents in Rome, compared with around 13,613 euros for individuals living in southern regions. In parallel, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has urged Italy to pursue deeper wealth redistribution and enhanced social protection and public services. Reports suggest that pension policies, particularly for higher-income groups, have drawn scrutiny for their perceived generosity and the need for adjustments that promote broader social coverage.
Despite the controversy, coalition members have embraced the reform as a meaningful stride toward a more streamlined and modern governance model. Salvini, who leads the League, has framed the proposal as a practical, forward-looking solution that shifts away from long-standing secessionist rhetoric toward stronger regional empowerment. Yet some observers view Meloni’s support for a measure mainly backed by her party as a strategic move with far-reaching political implications. They argue that the prime minister’s initiative could influence the balance of votes within the coalition and shape the contours of Italy’s federal approach for years to come.
As the bill advances to the next legislative stage, the country watches closely how regional authorities will implement new powers. Supporters emphasize the potential for more responsive local governance, faster decision-making, and a closer alignment of policies with regional needs. Critics warn of the risk that disparities could widen if fiscal equalization and national-level safeguards are not maintained. The coming months are expected to reveal how the evolving framework will interact with Italy’s commitments to the European Union and its ongoing efforts to modernize public services and social protections. (Source: Svimez; OECD; policymakers and analysts report summaries)
In the end, the coalition leadership has signaled a willingness to proceed with careful oversight and adjustments as the legislative process continues. The debate underscores a broader question facing the country: how to balance regional autonomy with national unity in a way that strengthens the economy without leaving vulnerable communities behind. As discussions unfold, observers will be watching not only the formal stages of approval but also the practical steps regional governments take to implement the new powers, and how those steps affect daily life across Italy.