Autonomy law poses risks for cohesion and finances - EC

(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 20 - Italy's controversial new 'differentiated autonomy' law poses risks for cohesion and finances, the European Commission says in economic recommendations which have been published by la Repubblica daily and also seen by ANSA.
    The law, which enables regions to keep much of their tax take for their own spending,. has been accused of worsening the north south gap but Premier Giorgia Meloni says is will make Italy stronger and more democratic.
    In its recommendations, the EU executive says: "the devolution of further competences to the Italian regions entails risks for the country's cohesion and public finances, but also on the front of inequalities between regions".
    The EC working document on Italy was drafted in the context of the recommendations on economic, social, employment, structural and budgetary policies.
    The leftwing opposition is collecting signatures to put the law to a referendum saying it unduly changes the Constitution and aggravates existing imbalances, especially between affluent northern regions and worse-off southern ones, in key areas like healthcare.
    When it was approved after an all-night session in the House Wednesday morning, government parties waved the flags of Italy's 20 regions while the centre left opposition waved the Italian flag.
    It was passed by 172 votes to 99. (ANSA).