The General Meetings of the Small Municipalities promoted by ANCI were opened in Rome at the “La Nuvola” Congress Center, a moment of exchange dedicated to the realities that represent 70% of the Italian municipalities and 16% of the national population.
During the opening of the works, the Secretary General of ANCI, Veronica Nicotra, He recalled that “In our country there are about 5,600 small municipalities, where 16% of the population lives. These communities need greater support, both technical and institutional.”, emphasizing that ANCI is working with even more commitment, determination and energy in favor of the smaller realities, which are numerous.
The opening of the thematic workshop on the Budget was held by the President of ANCI Lazio, Daniele Sinibaldi, who illustrated the results of the “Piccoli” project and the prospects for strengthening local finance in smaller territories.
In his speech, Sinibaldi He highlighted that the financial situation of small municipalities is overall positive: 94% of them have a balanced budget, a figure higher than that of average, large, and metropolitan municipalities. There is also significant growth in capital expenditure and investments, with an increase of +158% in the PNRR phase, during which the small entities stood out for their ability to implement and report on their projects.
“These numbers – Sinibaldi emphasized – They show that small municipalities know how to administer with responsibility and efficiency. But behind the positive data remain structural difficulties that weigh on administrators and staff.”.
The President emphasized that the results achieved are often the result of the determination and dedication of the administrators and staff, who are called upon daily to respond to citizens in a relationship of proximity that requires quick responses.
Sinibaldi therefore reiterated the need for new investments and for easing constraints, especially budgetary ones, in order to reward demonstrated efficiency and allow municipalities to reinvest in personnel., Administrative capacity and economic resources, particularly in disadvantaged, rural and mountain areas.
“Despite years of public spending cuts – he pointed out – Municipalities have proven to be the main arm of the State on the ground, institutional watchdogs even in the most complex moments, such as during the pandemic. Now is the time to bet even more on the small municipalities.”.
During the meeting it was also emphasized that ANCI is evolving in its role, adding to its traditional function of institutional representation a strengthened technical and operational support. This is a real change that also affects the regional ANCIs, which are increasingly committed to directly supporting the administrative capacity of local authorities.
The “Small” project will conclude with the drafting of a position paper that will formalize ANCI’s position on these issues and on the priorities for the future.