Italian Govt Reform Removes Mountain Status from Towns

A decree issued on 11 May 2026 and effective from 22 July redefines the criteria for classifying Italian "comuni montani" based on average altitude and slope. The new map excludes many communes that were long considered mountain municipalities, affecting their eligibility for future support measures, school planning and essential services.

The reform has sparked political criticism. The Rifondazione Comunista federation denounced the loss of mountain status for Sassetta in Tuscany, accusing Regional Affairs Minister Roberto Calderoli of penalising fragile inland areas. The party called on the Tuscany region to allocate resources to prevent service cuts. Similar exclusions have been reported in Calabria, with towns such as Scala Coeli, Terravecchia, San Demetrio Corone and Benestare removed from the list, raising concerns about funding and local development.

The Ministry for Regional Affairs and Autonomies stressed that exclusion from the list does not automatically revoke existing financial incentives, but the debate continues over how the new classification will impact many small municipalities across Italy.