Veneto Governor’s Autonomy Request Drives Controversy in Italian Regions: Navigating the Differentiated Autonomy Landscape

Veneto Governor Giorgio Zaia has requested to reopen negotiations with the government for the transfer of competences on nine matters for which the definition of the Essential Levels of Performance (Lep) is not foreseen. Nello Musumeci, a leader in the majority coalition and regional governor of Campania, opposes this request and emphasizes the need for all regions to start from the same line regarding autonomy.

Musumeci raises concerns about how this request could cause problems within the coalition and among southern Italian regions. He believes that before moving forward with negotiations, Veneto should focus on expediting the process of identifying the Lep, which serves as a guarantee for disadvantaged regions.

The Minister of Civil Protection, Francesco Calderoli, supports Musumeci’s position and suggests that Zaia wait until the Lep is defined before starting negotiations. This process could take a year, according to Calderoli. However, Zaia defends his law on differentiated autonomy and dismisses criticism of it. He emphasizes the importance of respecting and implementing laws.

Zaia is also surprised at Musumeci’s protest initiatives against his decision to call for a referendum on autonomy in Veneto. He argues that this referendum process is necessary to give citizens a voice in their region’s governance. The Lega secretariat also supports Zaia’s perspective and cites the benefits that autonomy can bring to regions.

Musumeci clarifies his position on autonomy by stating that he supports differentiated autonomy because it promotes cohesion and subsidiarity among regions. Other regions, such as Lombardy, have also requested negotiations for transferring competences to them. The government has 60 days to evaluate Venetian request and start negotiations with regions involved in this matter closely monitored by Prime Minister Conte and other officials.

The ongoing debate about transferring competences highlights how important it is for regional leaders to find common ground on issues affecting their respective areas while maintaining their independence and autonomy within Italy’s framework.