Italy’s Court of Cassation has approved a referendum on repealing the differentiated regional autonomy law, declaring the abrogation request legitimate in a detailed 30-page ruling. This decision follows a prior judgment by the Constitutional Court, which deemed parts of the legislation unconstitutional. The final word on the matter now rests with the Constitutional Court, expected to rule on the referendum’s admissibility in January.
Reactions were swift. Minister for Regional Affairs Roberto Calderoli vowed to push forward with the autonomy plan despite the setback, criticizing the early release of the court’s ruling to La Repubblica. Meanwhile, Ivana Veronese, vice president of the National Committee Against Differentiated Autonomy, celebrated the decision: “We’re pleased this unjust law can face total repeal.” Opposition leaders, including PD secretary Elly Schlein, urged the government to halt the reform, while Senate President Ignazio La Russa welcomed the referendum, framing it as a democratic exercise.
Regional leaders remain divided. Veneto’s President Luca Zaia reaffirmed his commitment to the autonomy initiative, while Sardinia’s Governor Alessandra Todde expressed satisfaction with the Cassation Court’s ruling, urging the government to reconsider. Labor unions also weighed in, with CGIL’s Christian Ferrari calling the referendum a vital step for public discourse. As political and public debate heats up, all eyes are on the Constitutional Court’s impending verdict.
