Rome’s Constitutional Revolution: Cabinet Approves Special Legislative Powers and Fiscal Autonomy for RomeIn a landmark decision, Italy’s Council of Ministers (CDM) approved a constitutional reform that will grant Roma Capitale both legislative authority and financial autonomy, redefining the role of the capital within the Italian Republic.   A New Constitutional Status Central to the reform is a revision of Article 114 of the Constitution, expressly naming “Roma Capitale” alongside regions, provinces, metropolitan cities, municipalities and the state as a foundational territorial entity. This reconceptualisation elevates Rome to a unique legal status, differentiating it from other organisational levels. The bill introduces tailored administrative and financial autonomy under Article 119, ensuring that Rome would receive the resources necessary to carry out its expanded responsibilities. Scope of Legislative Authority Starting with the first elections of Rome’s local assembly following the law’s enactment (projected in 2027), Rome will be empowered to enact its own statutes in areas including: •Local public transport •Local administrative police •Urban planning and territory governance •Local commerce and trade regulation •Cultural heritage management and promotion •Tourism development •Social services and public housing •Craftsmanship and service industries •Internal administrative organisation of Roma Capitale     Importantly, until Rome’s new laws are in place, any regional legislation from Lazio in these domains continues to apply.  Legislative Roadmap and Local Consultation The bill comprises two articles: •Article 1 modifies Article 114 to enshrine Rome Capitale as a distinct entity with special powers. •Article 2 integrates other constitutional provisions—such as Articles 118, 119, 120, 127, and 134—into a framework for administrative and financial functions and constitutional safeguards. For final passage, the proposal must go through four readings in both chambers of parliament, approved by an absolute majority each time. Before that, consultations are required with the Regional Council of Lazio and Rome’s elective Assembly.  Reaction Prime minister Giorgia Meloni, in a video message, emphasised Rome’s distinctive role, stating: “Roma Capitale is not just another city. Today’s reform inserts it among the Republic’s constituent entities and grants legislative powers over matters touching the daily life of Romans—urban planning, public transport, commerce, tourism, cultural heritage.” Oggi il Governo ha approvato una riforma costituzionale che inserisce Roma Capitale tra gli enti costitutivi della Repubblica e attribuisce a Roma Capitale poteri legislativi su materie che toccano la vita quotidiana dei romani. È un impegno che abbiamo fissato nel programma di… pic.twitter.com/wG6wjG5T9g — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) July 30, 2025 Rome's centre-left mayor Roberto Gualtieri welcomed the "important and long-awaited" bill. "This approval expresses the government's strong desire to revive it after years" - Gualtieri said - "and it is important because there was close discussion with the mayor, which led to a refinement of the text, which can be considered a shared text that otherwise risked being stalled." In a statement, local representatives from the right-wing Lega party described the reform as a pivotal step forward, saying: “With legislative powers, Rome can finally thrive". Outlook and Implications This constitutional initiative marks a bold shift in Italy’s governance model. Rome is poised to operate more like Europe’s major capitals, with direct control over policy and fiscal levers previously overseen by the state or regional institutions. If enacted, Rome could become a template for redefining capital governance in other unitary states. However, success hinges on careful implementation and the transfer of authority—which will be charted in detail by a subsequent state law. While 2027 remains the anticipated launch point for the new institutional model—coinciding with the next local elections—the legislative trail ahead involves intensive debate and negotiation at multiple levels of government. What’s new for Roma Capitale Constitutional status Explicit inclusion as a Republic entity under Article 114 Legislative power Authority in key domains affecting daily life in the city Financial autonomy Special fiscal conditions envisaged under Article 119 Timeline Targeted implementation with Assembly elections in 2027 This transformation would place Rome on a new institutional footing, signalling both a symbolic and practical shift in how Italy’s capital is governed.

In a landmark decision, Italy’s Council of Ministers (CDM) approved a constitutional reform that will grant Roma Capitale both legislative authority and financial autonomy, redefining the role of the capital within the Italian Republic.    Central to the reform is a revision of Article 114 of the Constitution, expressly naming “Roma Capitale” alongside regions, provinces, metropolitan cities, municipalities and the state as a foundational territorial entity. This reconceptualisation elevates Rome to a unique legal status, differentiating it from other organisational levels. The bill introduces tailored administrative and financial autonomy under Article 119, ensuring that Rome would receive the resources necessary to carry out its expanded responsibilities. Starting with the first elections of Rome’s local assembly following the law’s enactment (projected in 2027), Rome will be empowered to enact its own statutes in areas including: •Local public transport •Local administrative police •Urban planning and territory governance •Local commerce and trade regulation •Cultural heritage management and promotion •Tourism development •Social services and public housing •Craftsmanship and service industries •Internal administrative organisation of Roma Capitale     Importantly, until Rome’s new laws are in place, any regional legislation from Lazio in these domains continues to apply.  The bill comprises two articles: •Article 1 modifies Article 114 to enshrine Rome Capitale as a distinct entity with special powers. •Article 2 integrates other constitutional provisions—such as Articles 118, 119, 120, 127, and 134—into a framework for administrative and financial functions and constitutional safeguards. For final passage, the proposal must go through four readings in both chambers of parliament, approved by an absolute majority each time. Before that, consultations are required with the Regional Council of Lazio and Rome’s elective Assembly.  Prime minister Giorgia Meloni, in a video message, emphasised Rome’s distinctive role, stating: “Roma Capitale is not just another city. Today’s reform inserts it among the Republic’s constituent entities and grants legislative powers over matters touching the daily life of Romans—urban planning, public transport, commerce, tourism, cultural heritage.” Oggi il Governo ha approvato una riforma costituzionale che inserisce Roma Capitale tra gli enti costitutivi della Repubblica e attribuisce a Roma Capitale poteri legislativi su materie che toccano la vita quotidiana dei romani. È un impegno che abbiamo fissato nel programma di… — Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) Rome's centre-left mayor Roberto Gualtieri welcomed the "important and long-awaited" bill. "This approval expresses the government's strong desire to revive it after years" - Gualtieri said - "and it is important because there was close discussion with the mayor, which led to a refinement of the text, which can be considered a shared text that otherwise risked being stalled." In a statement, local representatives from the right-wing Lega party described the reform as a pivotal step forward, saying: “With legislative powers, Rome can finally thrive". This constitutional initiative marks a bold shift in Italy’s governance model. Rome is poised to operate more like Europe’s major capitals, with direct control over policy and fiscal levers previously overseen by the state or regional institutions. If enacted, Rome could become a template for redefining capital governance in other unitary states. However, success hinges on careful implementation and the transfer of authority—which will be charted in detail by a subsequent state law. While 2027 remains the anticipated launch point for the new institutional model—coinciding with the next local elections—the legislative trail ahead involves intensive debate and negotiation at multiple levels of government. Constitutional status Explicit inclusion as a Republic entity under Article 114 Legislative power Authority in key domains affecting daily life in the city Financial autonomy Special fiscal conditions envisaged under Article 119 Timeline Targeted implementation with Assembly elections in 2027 This transformation would place Rome on a new institutional footing, signalling both a symbolic and practical shift in how Italy’s capital is governed.