The mayors of Naples, Milan, Bari, and Rome have reiterated their opposition to the differentiated autonomy proposed by the government. During a meeting in Naples as part of the event “Repubblica delle idee,” mayors Antonio Decaro, Gaetano Manfredi, Giuseppe Sala, and Roberto Gualtieri expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of this proposal, particularly on the southern regions of Italy. Mayor Sala of Milan emphasized that differentiated autonomy would indeed penalize the South and require significant resources to ensure the provision of essential services. Mayor Gualtieri of Rome stated that either the state would incur exorbitant costs or essential services would be cut if this proposal were to be implemented. Meanwhile, Mayor Manfredi of Naples highlighted the need for a more integrated approach in addressing continental challenges, cautioning against the fragmentation of decision-making powers.
Mayor Gualtieri of Rome argued that differentiated autonomy presents a financial dilemma for the state, as either significant revenue would be lost or essential services would face budget cuts. He criticized the idea that regional governments could effectively manage critical functions such as energy networks and education while also dealing with more mundane issues like traffic enforcement. According to Mayor Manfredi of Naples, in today’s globalized world with continental challenges, certain issues such as commerce, logistics, civil protection regulations, citizen safety, and development cannot be effectively addressed by regions with much smaller populations than major Italian cities. He emphasized the historical context of regionalism and the need for a more cohesive and centralized approach to governance.
Mayor Decaro of Bari warned that the implementation of differentiated autonomy would further divide and fracture the country, creating a hierarchy of regions and leaving the South at a disadvantage. He rejected the notion that autonomy would benefit the South and argued that what is truly needed are resources to support growth and development. In response to claims that autonomy would increase accountability among local leaders, Mayor Decaro emphasized that his city has already seen advancements without the need for additional accountability measures. The mayors collectively voiced their concerns about the potential negative consequences of differentiated autonomy and called for a more unified and equitable approach to governance in Italy.
Overall, the mayors of Naples, Milan, Bari, and Rome firmly rejected the proposal for differentiated autonomy, highlighting the detrimental impact it would have on the South and the nation as a whole. They emphasized the need for significant resources to sustain essential services and cautioned against the fragmentation of decision-making powers, particularly in addressing continental challenges. The mayors called for a more integrated and equitable approach to governance in Italy, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in tackling shared challenges and promoting sustainable development. Their stance reflects a commitment to safeguarding the interests of their cities and ensuring that any policy changes will benefit all regions of Italy.
