The recent approval of the Calderoli bill on differentiated autonomy has been celebrated by many, including the Northern League party. The bill was a long-awaited victory for the party founded by Umberto Bossi, which has been fighting for autonomy in Veneto for decades. On a hot Wednesday in June, the green light arrived at 7:40 and the event was celebrated by many, including Luca Zaia, governor of Veneto.
Zaia made it clear that he would immediately begin negotiations with the state for the transfer of certain competences. This was a significant moment for Veneto and its people, who have long fought for greater autonomy from Rome. The bill was hailed as a major victory for those who support devolution and fiscal federalism.
However, not everyone is happy about this development. Some Italian governors in the South have expressed their opposition to the bill, including Roberto Occhiuto from Calabria and Vito Bardi from Lucania. They argue that the bill will only benefit Lombardy and Veneto at the expense of other regions.
The Northern League’s response to these criticisms has been swift and harsh. Fabrizio Cecchetti, commissioner of Forza Italia in Lombardy, issued a statement saying that Forza Italia must be consistent in its stance on differentiated autonomy and stop making propaganda that pits north against south. He argued that Forza Italia’s position on this issue varies depending on convenience rather than principle, which damages its credibility among citizens.
Despite these challenges, however, many continue to see differentiated autonomy as an important step towards greater freedom and self-determination for Italy’s regions. As such, it remains an important topic of discussion among Italian politicians and citizens alike.
