Italian Mayors Back Initiative to Halt Commercial Desertification

Confesercenti Como has written to all 147 mayors in the province of Como urging them to promote a popular‑initiative law called “Il Battito della Città”. The proposal aims to counter the loss of neighbourhood shops – 140,000 closures nationwide and more than 1,100 Italian towns now lacking a grocery store – by creating a national plan, fiscal measures for small retailers, special economic zones and a dedicated fund.

In the province of Lucca, the municipality of Capannori has launched a pilot project named “Presìdi di comunità”. It offers one‑off grants of up to €5,000 to micro‑ and small businesses in frazioni most at risk of commercial desertification. The aid is intended to cover rent, utilities and other operating costs, helping residents, especially the elderly and those with limited mobility, retain essential local services. Applications are due by 4 September.