Brisighella protests new mountain reform that cuts funding and status

The Italian government issued a DPCM on 7 July 2026 that redraws the list of mountain municipalities. Under the new criteria, Brisighella in the province of Ravenna loses its mountain classification, while nearby Modigliana gains it. The reclassification also removes Monte Romano, Fognano, San Cassiano, San Martino in Gattara, Zattaglia and Valletta from the mountain category.

The change, which takes effect on 22 July, will reduce access to subsidies and increase social‑security contributions for agricultural businesses in the affected hill zones. Local officials say the decree, approved by the Council of Ministers on 11 May, was already final when Mayor Pederzoli delivered a letter to Minister Roberto Calderoli on 13 May, rendering the protest symbolic. Senator Marta Farolfi, who voted for the reform, is also criticised for not informing the mayor earlier. Brisighella’s Democratic Party is calling for a public meeting with the mayor and the senator to demand a revision of the classification criteria.