Report 2007. Subsidiarity and Institutional Reforms
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Presentation of the Second Subsidiarity Report. Subsidiarity and Institutional Reforms
The survey on “Subsidiarity and Institutional Reforms” has been caried out during 2007 by the “Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà”, under the direction of Giorgio Vittadini, on a representative sample of 1600 interviewees (766 men and 834 women over the age of 18). The purpose of this research, which has been edited especially by Prof. Luca Antonini (Padue) and Prof. Carlo Lauro (Naples), was to inquire about the opinion and ideas of Italian citizens on “Institutional Reforms”.
The Subsidiarity Report is able to clarify what Italians have in their mind, drawing an image of “an irritated but nevertheless conscious country” (Alemanno). In fact, the research reveals some unexpected results, describing a society which appears capable of imagining and finding a way towards institutional and social modernity, meaning greater efficiency and freedom, participation and subsidiarity.
To summarize: “citizens are ready for reforms, but politicians less so” (Morlino). In this sense the Subsidiarity Report represents an important contribution to renew the debate about institutional and constitutional reforms in Italy, for instance on the electoral system.
Who should be responsible for constitutional reforms? More than 83% of those interviewed asserted that the reform of the Italian Constitution is a responsibility which should be shared between parliament, civil society and local bodies. Only 14% delegated the exclusive responsibility to the parliament, and 2% did not have an opinion.
What should the role of the prime minister, president, “lifelong” senators and parliamentarians be? More than 76% of those interviewed expressed the opinion that the prime minister should be elected directly by the citizens, only 21% preferred election by parliament. Nevertheless 54% thought that only the president should maintain the right to dissolve the parliament and senate.
What should the future election system be? 47% of those interviewed were convinced that a “majority system” is preferable, while 29% voted for a “proportional system”, only 18% chose a hybrid election system. In any case, 74% of those interviewed opted for a premium for the most voted party, and 67% for a blockage clause for those parties that do not reach a minimum percentage of votes, aiming to guarantee a strong and durable government.
What about the principle of subsidiarity, “hinge” between the state and society? The state should delegate some functions to regions, municipalities and local bodies, closer to citizens, improving the tasks of single citizens and civil society. More than 61% of those interviewed declared that they would approve of the decentralization of some state functions, and that the management of some public services should be handled by no-profit organisations.
Following on from what these statements may suggest to politicians on a local, regional and national level, ICeSD, Fondazione Triveneto and Fondazione per la Sussidiarietà promoted a meeting on Febbruary 29th 2008 between the authors of the Second Subsidiarity Report and the represents of local bodies and institutions. About 250 people among which journalists, local politicians, experts and interested citizens, took part in this congress organized at the “Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista”, Venice.
Presentation of the Second Subsidiarity Report
