Palermo's stalled decentralisation reforms amid ex‑Salvemini evictions

Regional deputy Vincenzo Figuccia (Lega) said on Friday that Palermo's decentralisation effort has failed, noting the resignation of councilor Marco Figuccia and the lack of direct elections for former provinces. He highlighted that the city lags behind Rome and Naples in implementing territorial reforms, with the municipal council opposing the changes and no regulation produced after missions to Rome and Naples.

At the same time, Palermo authorities are carrying out evictions at the former Salvemini school building. Families described as fragile, ill or extremely poor remain on site, requesting additional time to find alternative housing. Officials distinguish between illegal occupiers linked to criminal groups and vulnerable residents, offering rehousing to some while expelling others. The move follows a recent Constitutional Court ruling condemning illegal occupations and reflects longstanding issues stemming from mafia‑controlled public housing projects.

Both developments underscore political gridlock in Palermo and the humanitarian challenges faced by residents caught in the city's housing crisis.