Trentino-Alto Adige Celebrates Statute Reform Granting Increased Regional Powers

The Trentino-Alto Adige region celebrated the recent reform of its Statute, an event attended by Minister for Regional Affairs and Autonomies Roberto Calderoli. Held in Bolzano, the gathering marked nearly a month since the Statute's reform was approved by the Senate, signifying a significant expansion of the region's powers.

“

Today, Trentino-Alto Adige has more powers and I believe it can set an example for everyone else on how autonomy is something positive.

Minister Calderoli, who arrived with a delay due to traffic, addressed a large audience of local officials. He humorously noted the speed of the reform's passage, stating it took less time to approve than it did for him to travel to Bolzano. Calderoli recalled the proposal receiving positive feedback in the Council of Ministers in June 2025 and passing the Senate in May 2026 without opposition, describing the process as exceptionally swift.

"Today, Trentino-Alto Adige has more powers," Calderoli declared, emphasizing that the region now has the opportunity to lead by example in demonstrating the benefits of autonomy. He also addressed criticisms regarding special provinces, asserting that they are not a burden on the state, as Bolzano and Trento generate more revenue than they spend. Calderoli stressed that the reform represents a "real revolution" and aims to prove that autonomy is not detrimental but rather advantageous.

“

We brought home the reform, now it's up to you. We have provided the possibilities, and I believe it has been a true revolution.

Regional presidents Maurizio Fugatti of Trento and Arno Kompatscher of Bolzano credited Minister Calderoli as instrumental in achieving this reform. Fugatti mentioned initial delays when working with all special provinces but noted accelerated progress after securing permission to focus solely on Trento and Bolzano. Both presidents highlighted the importance of the new Statute, with Kompatscher stating it allows the region to "explore the new margins provided by the reform, to do better and more where we couldn't before." He also underscored autonomy as a successful tool for safeguarding linguistic minorities.

“

The minister was a guarantee, but the path was not easy.

The celebration underscored the collaborative effort and political will behind the enhanced autonomy, positioning Trentino-Alto Adige as a model for regional self-governance in Italy.

“

We will need to explore the new margins provided by the reform, to do better and more where we couldn't before.