The reform of differentiated regional autonomy has become a real pain for the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. The strong opposition of the left has been met with criticism from the bishops, who consider that the law represents “a mortal danger”, since it could divide the country into a prosperous north and a marginalized south. Affirmed in June, this law allows only the regions that request it from the State to have autonomy in the management of at least 23 areas, including health, education and culture.
The law, impulsive of the League, was accepted by Meloni to strengthen her power, even if it was not her preference. This complicated her explanation to the voters of different autonomies. In addition, her partner in the government, Antonio Tajani, leader of Forza Italia, maintained his position that the reform must include conditions.
Forza Italia has included the approval of essential levels of performance (LEP), which guarantee minimum standards of public services across the country. The party argues that the LEP should not be tied to differential regional autonomy and that its implementation could reduce marked regional differences. The president of Calabria, Roberto Occhiuto, of Forza Italia, says that 90% of the population of the south opposes this autonomy.
In response, the center-left is promoting a referendum to derogate the law, which will require the collection of 500,000 companies. The situation is complicated by the withdrawal of the Church, which has expressed its concern about the creation of the “Italian doses.” Bishop Francesco Savino, vice president of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), has spoken of the risk of a “world rescue” among the poorest regions if this reform were implemented.
Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna and President of the CEI, also underlined the importance of maintaining solidarity between the regions, stressing that the unity of the Republic must prevail over division.
