Italian Municipalities Approve Tax Debt Relief and Reject Autonomy Reform

The council of Molfetta voted to join the national "rottamazione quinquies" scheme, allowing residents and businesses to settle tax and municipal debt from 2000‑2023 by paying only the principal amount while waiving penalties, interest and collection fees. The measure is presented as a way to recover previously written‑off revenues and to free up municipal finances for services and investments.

In Andria, the municipal council adopted an urgent agenda put forward by the Democratic Party, formally opposing the draft law on differentiated autonomy that is currently being debated in Parliament. Council members, backed by the administration of Mayor Giovanna Bruno, warned that the proposal could deepen territorial inequalities, especially in health, education, transport and welfare, and undermine national cohesion.