Contentious Bill Sparking Parliamentary Brawl... Italian Parliament Passes Local Government Autonomy Expansion Bill

Concerns Over Regional Polarization Following Law Enforcement
North "Support" vs South "Oppose"... Intensified Conflict

The bill to expand regional government autonomy in Italy was finally passed on the 19th (local time). According to Yonhap News and foreign media reports, the Chamber of Deputies approved the bill with 172 votes in favor, 99 against, and 1 abstention. The bill is now only awaiting the final signature of Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

The bill grants more autonomy to regional governments. It strengthens the financial control rights of regional governments and guarantees greater autonomy over key public services such as healthcare and education. The ruling coalition party Lega, whose main political base is in the northern region, led the bill.

Elly Schlein, leader of the main opposition party, the Democratic Party (PD), argued that this law would promote division between the North and South and deepen inequality. She said, "The result of this bill's vote acknowledges the existence of first-class and second-class citizens."

Experts also expressed concerns that the inequality between Italy's wealthiest and poorest regions could worsen. They warned that a decrease in central government tax revenue could burden Italy's finances.

Italy has significant economic disparities between regions. The North, centered around Milan, is one of the wealthiest areas in Europe, while the South is among the poorest regions in Europe. Additionally, Italy has strong cultural and linguistic heterogeneity between regions due to its long period of division before unification in 1861.

The northern region has continuously demanded this bill, which includes provisions to transfer less tax revenue to the central government. Matteo Salvini, deputy prime minister and leader of the ruling Lega party, called it "a victory for all Italians" and said, "This reform will help Italy become a more modern country while reducing resource waste."

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also stated, "This bill is the first step toward building a stronger and fairer Italy."

Due to the intense debate stirred by this bill, lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties engaged in a brawl during the bill's review process on the 12th.

Matteo Renzi, former prime minister and leader of the opposition party Viva Italia, announced plans to petition for a national referendum with 500,000 signatures. According to the Italian constitution, anyone can petition for a policy referendum if they collect signatures from at least 500,000 citizens across five regional autonomous entities.