Basilicata officials emphasize community cooperatives to protect local services

During the first edition of the ‘Spazi di comunità’ festival in Savoia di Lucania, Basilicata regional assessor Cosimo Latronico addressed the critical role of community cooperatives in combating regional abandonment. Latronico emphasized that the loss of essential services directly impacts the survival of local territories, affecting the elderly, healthcare access, and youth opportunities.

Latronico clarified that while community welfare is vital for addressing local needs and bridging gaps where traditional models struggle, it must not replace public welfare. He stated that the guarantee of fundamental rights remains the responsibility of public institutions.

To support territorial healthcare, the regional government is investing in community houses, operational centers, home care, telemedicine, and family nurses. However, Latronico noted that physical infrastructure alone is insufficient without active dialogue between municipalities, social-health sectors, and local cooperatives that assist vulnerable citizens in accessing services.