Differentiated autonomy was discussed and approved at night. If you think about it badly, it would seem that the government almost wanted to hide this parliamentary work, which has become law, from the eyes of Italian citizens.
Differentiated autonomy, from my point of view, not only tramples on the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity between regions that the Constitution places at the basis of the very unity of our country, but even worse it is a furtive action that steals the future from Italians, especially to young Italians, who live in the weakest regions.
I am very struck by the silence of the Sicilian and southern ministers and parliamentarians who support the government.
For example, I would be curious to know the thoughts of the Sicilian ministers Musumeci and Urso, as well as the national and regional parliamentarians as well as the Sicilian mayors who saw their political party approve the law.
However, the President of the Region, Renato Schifani, felt the need to intervene and, after arguing with his party comrade Occhiuto (who was actually very worried about the effects of the law), applauded this rule by declaring to Ansa: «The approval of differentiated regionalism constitutes an important challenge for the system of autonomies. A test to make our Republic fairer, more competitive and more autonomous. To improve services for citizens and businesses.”
I remind President Schifani that his regional government has not made laws for some time and that the latest budget is a long list of funding for festivals and patronal celebrations often linked to the territorial origin of the Sicilian deputies who cast their votes. For example, nothing was included on school dropout, a true condemnation of young Sicilians and shame for a region that sadly holds the European record with 28% of minors who have dropped out of school.
I also remember that the regional parliamentarians themselves are too often absent from parliament to the point of forcing the President of the ARS Gaetano Galvagno to identify sanctions and punish the prolonged absenteeism which has already led to long periods of inaction in the Assembly.
Not to mention the fact that the regional government is currently without the Councilor for Agriculture (we are in the midst of a water crisis and the threat of desertification) as well as Vice President of the region as he has been provisionally hit by a measure from the judiciary.
The question then is: on what basis does President Schifani want to convince us that Sicily is competitive? And even if it were as he is, do you think that this system will not create imbalances in the country’s growth?
The constitutionalists, Confindustria, the trade unions, the Italian bishops and even the Holy See with Secretary of State Parolin have already intervened. Reforms are made first and foremost through dialogue which also means listening.
While waiting to listen to ministers and parliamentarians who wanted this law with respect, I raise strong doubts about Schifani’s statements, about the future of Sicily and the uniformity of the country’s growth.
- Community of Sant’Egidio
