The Italian prime minister recently stated that the government aims to foster a faster, more autonomous approach in certain regions. The leader argued that granting regions greater autonomy could boost the efficiency and quality of services while potentially creating disparities among citizens. The debate over regional powers remains one of the most challenging topics on the current government’s agenda, as officials weigh how much authority should be decentralized from the central state.
The call for more regional autonomy has persisted for years in Italy. After years of discussing separation, the far-right League, led by Matteo Salvini, has long championed greater local powers. Today, this demand sits at the center of the coalition’s program and reflects a core element of the governing alliance formed after the last elections in Italy.
Italy’s interior ministry and regional affairs minister, Roberto Calderoli, has already drafted a reform plan. He indicated that the bill could be advanced in 2023. The proposal seeks to amend Articles 116 and 117 of the Constitution so that new forms of regional autonomy could be granted on the initiative of the individual region concerned.
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Several initiatives have emerged in recent years. The process began in 2017 when Emilia Romagna, Veneto, and Lombardy activated proposals for greater central-state autonomy. Emilia Romagna is governed by a center-left coalition, while Lombardy and Veneto are controlled by the League. Since then, other regions joined the push, interested in expanding their autonomous powers. Piedmont, Liguria, Tuscany, Umbria, The Marches, Basilicata, Apulia, and Campania are among those exploring additional control over their affairs.
In Italy, each region formally holds 23 competencies it can seek to manage. Not all regional administrations want to take on every responsibility. Lombardy and Veneto have already held referendums in which residents supported expanded autonomy. Liguria has shown interest in managing transport networks, Apulia and Campania have focused on health care systems, and Tuscany has sought control of cultural assets.
The current moment marks a shift from the past. Centrist parties, such as Brothers of Italy and Forza Italia, had previously tempered discussions about regional empowerment. Now the debate appears more open, though not without controversy. The League remains a leading proponent, while affiliating parties on the left and right respond differently across the country. Emilia Romagna, known for its progressive stance, remains one of the more active supporters of the broader autonomy agenda.
Solidarity is discussed
There are also voices that worry about the proposal. The main concern is that this reform could reshape the country and intensify disparities, particularly affecting the southern regions with weaker economies. The government has pledged that reforms will not abandon anyone in need. The opposition warns that the change could undermine national integrity and leave some areas behind. Analysts question the potential health and social impacts if the restructuring proceeds. Critics from various sectors highlight the need for constitutional safeguards and practical implementation, suggesting that the plan could encounter significant hurdles before taking effect.
For example, regional leaders and economists have voiced doubts about its constitutionality and practical fairness. The questions about how to balance regional ambitions with national unity remain central to the ongoing debate, with observers watching for signs of compromise or pushback. The coming months are likely to offer clearer answers on the feasibility and design of any future autonomy reforms and their broader implications for governance in Italy.