by InTrieste
The planned return of elected provinces in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region remains scheduled for Jan. 1, 2027, but provincial elections are now unlikely to take place before 2028 after the regional majority approved an amendment linking the vote to a broader institutional reform.
The amendment, proposed by members of the regional majority, requires six sector-specific laws defining the provinces’ responsibilities, funding and staffing before voters elect provincial presidents and councils. Regional President Massimiliano Fedriga said the process remains “long.”
Supporters argue that provinces should regain meaningful authority before elections are held. Markus Maurmair, a regional lawmaker with Fratelli d’Italia, said the new bodies should have adequate financial and personnel resources before citizens are asked to vote.
Opposition parties, including the Partito Democratico, Patto per l’Autonomia and the Movimento 5 Stelle, have sought to slow debate, calling for a referendum and criticizing the proposal as creating institutions without sufficient substance.
Some opposition lawmakers, however, support the return of directly elected provinces, saying they could strengthen representation and provide greater support for smaller municipalities.
