by InTrieste
After two and a half days of debate, the Regional Council unanimously approved a sweeping new code governing commerce and tourism, replacing a patchwork of earlier regulations with a single framework. The measure, which contains 143 articles and seven implementing regulations, will take effect the day after the vote.
Regional Councillor for Productive Activities Sergio Bini, who oversaw the process, noted that the work began more than a year and a half ago and thanked his department’s staff for their efforts. The text was drafted with contributions from all political parties, a fact underscored repeatedly during the session. Minority representatives urged the regional government to apply the same collaborative approach to future legislation.
The new code introduces several policy tools, including a regional Masterplan for commerce, a dedicated fund for commercial districts, and incentives aimed at promoting slow tourism and local territorial consortia.
Healthcare issues dominated the “question time” before the final vote. Democratic Party councillor Francesco Russo raised concerns about delays in the renovation of Trieste’s Cattinara Hospital. In response, Regional Health Councillor Riccardo Riccardi cited financial difficulties faced by the contractor, Rizzani de Eccher, which is undergoing a court-supervised restructuring process. The continuation of full-scale construction, he said, depends on the outcome of that procedure.
