The Decree-Law on differentiated autonomy is now law for the Veneto region. After a long political marathon that began in 2017 with a referendum, the final yes has come from the Chamber of Deputies. 172 votes in favour, 99 against and 1 abstention. The OK came amid protests from the opposition parties (‘Italy must remain unique‘), who together sang the Italian anthem (Inno di Mameli) and waved the tricolour.
In essence, the Veneto region will be autonomous from the rest of Italy in the adoption of general regulations on education; protection of the environment, ecosystem and cultural heritage; protection and safety at work; education; scientific and technological research and support for innovation in productive sectors; health protection; food; sports organisation; territorial government; civil ports and airports; major transport and navigation networks; organisation of communications; national energy production, transport and distribution; valorisation of the cultural and environmental heritage; and promotion and organisation of
The five Italian regions that already have a special statute are Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol and Valle d’Aosta/Vallée d’Aoste.
“A historic day, a beautiful page of democracy“. These are the first warm words of the President of Veneto, Luca Zaia, recalling the 2 million and 273 thousand Venetians who went to the polls on 22 October 2017 to vote for autonomy. “A milestone has been reached,” the President declared, “an important page has been written in the history of our country and our community. Under the banner of a path of modernity, responsibility and efficiency’. Italy will now move forward ‘gradually and respectfully towards a management model already successfully adopted by many large European countries and internationally‘.
