Confesercenti launches signature drive for local commerce protection

Confesercenti has launched a national signature collection campaign to support a popular legislative initiative titled ‘Measures for the urban regeneration of proximity commerce and services’. The proposal aims to combat commercial desertification in cities by protecting local, neighborhood-based businesses.

A central component of the initiative is the creation of Special Proximity Economic Zones (ZESpro). These zones would allow regions and autonomous provinces to implement specific revitalization programs, including tax incentives, financial support, and administrative simplifications. The proposal also calls for the establishment of a dedicated fund and a national observatory within the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy to monitor effectiveness.

To ensure equitable funding, the initiative suggests utilizing a portion of the taxes collected from e-commerce sales to support local physical retailers. In Bolzano, local official Johanna Ramoser has endorsed the movement, stating that neighborhood shops are essential to urban quality of life, safety, and local employment. Citizens can participate in the signature collection online via SPID or in person at designated Confesercenti offices.