Der „differenzierte Regionalismus“: Neue Entwicklungen im italienischen Mehrebenensystem

Abstract

This article focuses on the concept of differentiated regionalism (“regionalismo differenziato”) within the Italian constitutional system. Since 1948, the Italian constitutional system has been defined by an asymmetric type of regionalism: on the one hand there are “normal” regions that enjoy the same set of legislative and administrative powers, on the other are “special” regions whose autonomy is governed by a specific statute. The 2001 constitutional reform provided for normal regions to negotiate with the central government for more extensive legislative and administrative competencies. This was laid out in the newly introduced Article 116 para 3 of the Italian Constitution which enhances the asymmetric element in Italian regionalism. The background and the arguments that led to the introduction of Article 116 para 3 are discussed as well as the uptake and degree of actual implementation. Comparisons between the existing “special” regions and those affected by “regionalismo differenziato” are presented as well as the implications this new form of regionalism is having on the development of Italian regionalism.