The Italian Constitutional Court has issued its full ruling on the contested regional autonomy reform, declaring numerous provisions illegitimate. The ruling effectively invalidates significant elements of the reform championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, which aimed to delegate greater powers to regional authorities. While a summary of the decision had been released on November 14, the complete document clarifies the Court’s reasoning, emphasizing the necessity for any new powers to align with constitutional principles of unity and subsidiarity.
The ruling limits the scope of autonomy that regions can claim, making it clear that not all competencies can be transferred from the central government to local authorities. The Court highlighted that reforms must not compromise the principle of a “one and indivisible Republic,” stressing the need for any changes to ensure efficiency and protection of citizens’ rights. Notably, critical areas such as education, environmental protection, and international trade were deemed unsuitable for regional autonomy negotiations, as their management must adhere to national and European regulations.
Furthermore, the Court criticized the government’s approach to establishing essential levels of performance (LEP), asserting that the vague guidelines provided in the reform undermine the clarity and uniformity required across regions. The ruling mandates that any negotiation for increased regional powers must involve a comprehensive parliamentary review, effectively curbing the government’s unilateral authority in these matters. As a result, the path for regional leaders seeking to enhance their autonomy has been significantly obstructed, reinforcing the legislative authority of the Parliament and the unity of the Italian state.
