Calabria politicians condemn differentiated autonomy reform

Political leaders in Calabria have launched sharp criticisms against the Meloni government following the Council of Ministers' approval of definitive agreements on differentiated autonomy with the regions of Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Veneto.

Giuseppe Falcomatà, a regional councilor for the Democratic Party (PD), described the move as a “secessionist maneuver” that serves as a “fatal blow” to Calabria and the entire Mezzogiorno. He argued that the reform uses the South as a bargaining chip to satisfy political alliances, specifically suggesting it is a concession to the Lega Nord in exchange for support on electoral law reforms.

Senator Nicola Irto, secretary of the PD in Calabria, echoed these sentiments, characterizing the reform as a “political barter on the skin of the Mezzogiorno.” He warned that the acceleration of autonomy without guaranteed resources and essential service levels (LEP) would exacerbate territorial inequalities and compromise national unity, potentially exposing millions of citizens to disparities in healthcare, infrastructure, and education.