Meloni in Bolzano

Promise of autonomy for South Tyrol reaffirmed

The South Tyrolean governor Arno Kompatscher

(Bild: APA/EXPA/JOHANN GRODER)

 "Anyone who knows me knows that I keep my promises," said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with regard to the promise of autonomy for South Tyrol. Rome and Bolzano signed an agreement on the development and cohesion plan on Tuesday.

During a working visit to Bolzano on Tuesday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (Fratelli d'Italia) promised to keep her word regarding the autonomy of South Tyrol. "Anyone who knows me knows that I keep my promises," Meloni admitted during a speech at the NOI Techpark in Bolzano. South Tyrol's Governor Arno Kompatscher confirmed his intention to press ahead with the drafting of a corresponding constitutional law.

In accordance with the 1992 dispute settlement declaration
The South Tyrolean People's Party had recently been working on a draft constitutional law to restore the autonomy standards in accordance with the 1992 Declaration of Settlement. Meloni has assured South Tyrol of her support on several occasions in the past and declared her support for South Tyrol's "special autonomy".

Meloni and Kompatscher met in Bolzano to sign an agreement on the Development and Cohesion Plan (FSC). This means that around 100 million euros from European funds will flow into South Tyrol. The financial resources of the fund are intended to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion and reduce economic and social imbalances. The fund is fed by contributions from the state and the provinces.

Italian head of government Giorgia Meloni

(Bild: AFP)

"Wealth is not created by politics, but by companies"
In his speech, Kompatscher also reminded the audience that South Tyrol was the only region in Italy to have accessed and used all the money from European funds. As in the past, South Tyrol is ready to step in if others do not collect funds. The Prime Minister explained that she hoped that no money would be left over. The aim is for everyone in Italy to work efficiently. "Wealth is not created by politics, but by companies," she said, acknowledging cooperation with the economy.

Meloni's visit took place around one and a half months after the new South Tyrolean center-right five-party government, in which her party is also represented, took office. In addition to Fratelli d'Italia, Kompatscher's South Tyrolean People's Party is also in coalition with the South Tyrolean Freedom Party, the Lega and La Civica.