Italian government decree removes mountain status from dozens of municipalities

On 7 July 2026 the Italian government published DPCM n. 121 in the Gazzetta Ufficiale, redefining the criteria for classifying “comuni montani”. The new rules, based on altitude and slope thresholds, take effect on 22 July and cut the number of recognised mountain municipalities from 4 061 to 3 715, stripping the status from 346 towns. Among the most affected are 29 of the 107 municipalities in the Marche region and 28 in Emilia‑Romagna.

Losing the mountain designation jeopardises access to a range of state‑funded incentives, tax‑exemptions, credit‑scheme benefits for young professionals, and support for schools and health services. Local authorities – mayors, regional councilors (including members of the 5‑Star Movement and the centre‑right), the national association ALI and the Movimento 5 Stelle – have condemned the decree as “an arrogant political act” and warned of a “colpo di grazia” to Italy’s interior areas. Legal challenges have been filed with the TAR of Lazio, and protests are planned across the affected regions. The government’s move has sparked a bipartisan debate ahead of upcoming national elections, with critics arguing the new criteria favour alpine areas over the Apennine interior.