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Veneto asks for further powers in the framework of a "variable geometry federalism"

Region proposes a state reform to limit fiscal deficit, get exclusive powers and territorialize social security · President considers that Veneto's GDP could increase by 10%, claims that his proposal does not go against Italian unity · Monti government wants to recentralize some competencies

Reforming the state in order to decentralize it without touching a single comma of the Constitution. This is a proposal that has been recently issued by the President of Veneto, Luca Zaia (Venetian League-Northern League), for the region to achieve greater autonomy from Rome. The result, says Zaia, would be a "variable geometry federalism" where some territories may achieve a larger degree of self-government than others, without having to declare them as regions with special status (the Constitution only foresees the existence of five such regions, and Veneto is not one of them: Aosta Valley, Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sardinia and Sicily).

The proposed reform has been drafted by a commission that was appointed in 2010 by the institutions of Veneto, and has been chaired by professor Luca Antonini. The central idea is that Rome grants new exclusive or concurrent powers to Veneto, such as the management of cultural, artistic and historical assets. The commission also wants to introduce limits on fiscal deficit suffered by Veneto ("hidden solidarity" in the terminology used by its government) and to consider "the implementation of the principle of territoriality" into the social security system.

Zaia: Veneto GDP would grow by 10%

These measures could have a big economic impact. Zaia estimated that, if the plan is implemented, the gross domestic product (GDP) of Veneto would grow by 10%, Adnkronos writes. Veneto president argues that his proposal is the best option for the future of Italian unity: "Enough of Rome, enough of centralism. Federalism unites countries, federalism does not break up countries", he says.

An alternative way to independence

Zaia's vision is consistent with what the president said last May, when he saw 20,000 Venetians give their signatures in favour of a referendum on Veneto independence. Zaia admitted that most of Venetians want secession, but he clarified this was not a possible option because there was no "legal support" to realize it. The federal proposal that Zaia now presents is set as an alternative to both centralism and independence.

Zaia's proposal runs counter to the constitutional reform that was announced last month by the government of Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti. According to it, the Italian government would take back a number of powers, among which ports, airports and energy. The reform also provides for direct control on regional budgets by the Italian government.