Italy’s Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that claims of unconstitutionality against the entire ‘differentiated autonomy’ law are “not founded.”
The Constitutional Court of Italy ruled that the entire differentiated autonomy law is not unconstitutional. However, the court did find specific sections of the law “illegitimate.”
The new law allows regions to request greater control over the spending of tax revenues collected in their areas. President Mattarella promulgated the bill, making it law, earlier this year.
The court reviewed the law after objections from some regional governments.
Opposition parties argue the law threatens national unity and will widen Italy’s north-south divide, harming poorer southern regions. They are gathering signatures for a referendum to abolish the law.
One issue raised by the court concerns the update of minimum service levels (LEPs) across regions by a decree from the premier.
Another concern is that devolved regions have the option, not the obligation, to contribute to public finance objectives, which could weaken national solidarity.
The court stated parliament must address the issues it has identified.
