La racionalización de los entes locales en Italia: a la sombra de la incertidumbre

Abstract

Out of the western European States, the most significant transformation of local bodies has probably taken place in Italy, and especially due to the economical crisis. In addition to this, constant changes in Government have increased political malaise among citizens, who now demand of their representatives the achievement of visible results. In this respect, many initiatives have been undertaken in the Italian local system, though very few have eventually been passed. The last of these reforms came out as a follow-up measure to the Corte Costituzionale’s judgment no. 220/2013, resulting into Act no. 56/2014, of April 7 (the so-called Riforma Delrio). This institutional reform affects the heart of local autonomy, as it operates mainly on the intermediate level (livello intermedio) of Italian bodies: from provinces to municipalities, also including metropolitan cities. However, full effectiveness of this Act will require passing a constitutional reform. Until then, the shadow of uncertainty remains in the Italian local system.