Sicily's Finances Turn Solid Under Renato Schifani as Budget Gains Approved

Renato Schifani, president of the Sicilian Region, presented an ARS report showing a turnaround from a €4 billion deficit to an administrative surplus of over €5 billion, with the 2024 accounts closing at +€2.1 billion and tax revenues rising by roughly €5 billion without raising tax rates. Credit‑rating agencies upgraded Sicily’s ratings (Moody’s to Baa2, S&P to BBB+, Fitch keeping BBB with a positive outlook). The region’s GDP grew 18.9 % over five years and employment led Italy, adding 5.6 % of jobs, projected to create 467 000 jobs by 2030, supported by €2.3 billion of EU, national and regional investment managed through the Irfis fund.

The regional council approved the 2022 Rendiconto, unlocking about €264 million that had been locked as deficit‑recovery reserves; the funds will be entered into the 2026 budget and directed to families, businesses and further economic development.

The DEFR (2027‑2029) programming package, after a contentious vote in the Affari Istituzionali commission, received a final vote in the assembly. It includes higher hourly rates for part‑time local‑government workers, increased rotation‑funds for public‑works projects, resources for civil‑protection equipment, reforms of local police, parity‑pay measures and a solidarity fund for insolvent municipal cemeteries.

Schifani also visited the unified operational room during a wave of forest fires, overseeing coordination among the fire service, forest corps and civil protection. Of 344 reported incidents, 300 were extinguished, with six Canadair, ten regional helicopters and three national helicopters deployed.

Opposition groups acknowledged the fiscal improvements while criticizing certain policy choices, keeping the debate active in the regional assembly.