dellautonomia

Dell'autonomia, in Italian usage often written as dell'autonomia, is the principle and policy of granting subnational units greater self-government within a country. In political discourse it encompasses legal, administrative, and fiscal powers that allow regions or communities to manage certain affairs themselves, rather than relying solely on central government decisions.

In Italy, the concept is enshrined in constitutional principles and national statutes. The Italian Constitution recognizes regional autonomy under Article 5, and provides a framework for both ordinary and special autonomies. Some regions have special autonomous statutes that grant wide-ranging legislative and administrative powers, including fiscal arrangements. These special autonomous regions include Sicily, Sardinia, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Valle d'Aosta, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

The scope of dell'autonomia can cover education, health, transport, culture, environment, and economic development, as well as the power to raise or manage taxes, within limits set by the central government. Regions negotiate power sharing with the central state, and reforms such as autonomia differenziata seek to extend greater powers to other regions while preserving national unity.

The concept has historical roots in the postwar constitutional settlement and has evolved through decentralization reforms and political negotiations. Debates around dell'autonomia in Italy focus on balancing regional diversity and national solidarity, funding mechanisms, and the capacity of regional administrations.

Italy's experience with dell'autonomia illustrates how a state can accommodate regional particularities while maintaining a centralized framework.