Rome – Italian municipalities are facing one of the most critical phases in recent years, squeezed by structural cuts, increased social demand, and the inability to hire essential staff.
The alarm was raised by Gaetano Manfredi, mayor of Naples and president of the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI), who painted a grim picture in an interview with La Stampa: "The situation is very difficult because we have fewer resources for welfare, while the population's demand is growing."
According to Manfredi, the multi-year cuts in previous budget laws will have a decisive impact: "In 2026, the impact will be €460 million." And that's not the only obstacle. Planned investments—approximately €8 billion—risk being stalled: "We must unblock them, otherwise the day after the NRRP expires, we'll find ourselves at a standstill."
Aging, welfare, and housing: the issues that are suffocating cities.
One of the most pressing factors is the aging population, which impacts social assistance, healthcare, and community services. Manfredi calls for a structured strategy: "We need a national plan that takes these growing needs into account."
Another critical issue is the housing crisis, a cross-sectional issue affecting both the poor and the middle class. "The government's housing plan is progressing slowly. A significant investment of public resources is needed, and private investment must also be mobilized," emphasizes the president of the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI). But the resources for 2026, he admits, "are not sufficient." Hence the appeal to Europe: "We hope for intervention with EU funds: Commissioner Fitto himself has recognized that housing is now a national emergency."
Security and schools: "Hiring blocked, unsustainable situation"
On the urban security front, Manfredi emphasizes how municipalities' difficulties fall directly on citizens. "The state is responsible for this, but the problems are passed on to mayors. We've requested extraordinary resources to hire traffic police: in recent years, the force has been reduced by 12 due to hiring restrictions."
Things aren't any better in daycare centers: "We need to guarantee 150 new positions, but we can't hire teachers," she complains. She also points out that social workers, crucial in the most vulnerable suburbs, are also penalized by the current hiring rules. "The hiring cap is a law that cries out for vengeance," she insists, "because it prevents us from recruiting the very people we need most."
"Municipalities alive but without tools": the alarm from the territory
Despite the challenges, Manfredi emphasizes that the municipal system remains dynamic and active: "The participation in our assembly demonstrates its great vitality." But without adequate resources, there is a risk of no longer being able to guarantee essential services: "Municipalities are suffering because they lack the necessary tools to provide concrete responses to citizens."
A cry of alarm coming from the heart of local administrations, calling on the government—and Europe—to urgently change direction.
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