On May 7, 2025, the Italian Senate confirmed the government's confidence in the Public Administration Decree, resulting in its official conversion into law. The decree was approved with 99 votes in favor, 70 against, and two abstentions, marking a significant step in reshaping the structure and functionality of public administration in Italy.
Originally passed by the Chamber of Deputies on April 23, 2025, the decree consists of 22 articles aimed at addressing critical issues within the public sector, including recruitment, mobility, and stabilization of personnel. This reform initiative, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Public Administration Minister Paolo Zangrillo, is designed to enhance the efficiency of public services and ensure that they can meet the challenges posed by the evolving European context.
"With the definitive approval of the Senate, we have achieved the goal of systematically addressing some of the critical issues within the public system," Zangrillo stated after the vote. He emphasized that the new regulations will not only impact recruitment processes but also strengthen training and enhance the functionality of local authorities.
The decree introduces an extensive package of measures aimed at reinforcing the efficiency of public administration. Among these measures is the requirement for public administrations to absorb at least 15% of personnel on command for over 12 months. Starting December 31, 2025, contracts for personnel in command who do not transition into permanent positions will automatically cease without extensions, and reactivation will not be possible for at least 18 months. This aims to combat precarious employment within the public sector.
Furthermore, the decree facilitates the hiring of new talent by allowing regions, provinces, metropolitan cities, and local authorities to employ graduates from Higher Technical Institutes (ITS Academy) as temporary staff. This move is intended to attract younger generations to public service while equipping administrations with qualified technical skills.
In addition, the decree addresses the disparities in pay between local authorities and central administrations by approving an increase in additional salary components. This is seen as a necessary step to correct a long-standing imbalance in compensation within the public sector.
The legislation also includes provisions aimed at strengthening personnel in areas affected by natural disasters. Specific measures are in place to bolster public staff in regions impacted by the earthquakes of 2009 and 2016, as well as the floods that struck Emilia-Romagna, Marche, and Tuscany in May 2023.
Among the notable changes introduced by the decree is the establishment of a fund within the Ministry of Health, allocating over 23 million euros for the year 2025 to enhance prevention and recovery from drug addiction and other pathological dependencies. This fund demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing social issues alongside administrative reforms.
Moreover, the decree extends the deadline for municipalities to finalize their financial plans regarding urban waste management services, waste disposal tax (TARI) rates, and related regulations from April 30 to June 30, 2025. This extension aims to provide local authorities with additional time to address these critical financial matters.
In the educational sector, the decree allocates an additional 40 million euros for supplementary health insurance coverage for school staff, increasing the total funding to 65 million euros annually for the four-year period from 2026 to 2029. This financial support aims to enhance the welfare of educators and administrative staff in schools.
Additionally, a specific fund of 20 million euros has been established to address urgent and non-deferrable maintenance needs in school buildings, ensuring that educational facilities remain safe and functional.
The reform also impacts the hiring procedures for teachers, allowing for a greater number of Catholic religion teachers to be employed without the constraints of turnover limits. This will enable schools to fill positions based on current needs more effectively.
Transparency in recruitment processes is another focus of the decree. It mandates that all public competitions indicate reserves, precedences, and preferences in the rankings to ensure fairness and clarity in the selection process. Furthermore, the decree extends the 15% reserve in public competitions to individuals who have completed national civil service, equating it with universal civil service.
As the government moves forward with these reforms, Minister Zangrillo reiterated the importance of a public administration that is not only responsive to change but also capable of anticipating and guiding it. He noted, "We are working on management, organization, and personnel across various sectors. We owe it to our users, citizens, and businesses, but also to those who work diligently and passionately within public offices. Everyone deserves timely and certain responses, and we intend to provide them."
The approval of the Public Administration Decree marks a pivotal moment in Italy's efforts to modernize its public sector, aiming to create a more efficient and competent administrative framework that can effectively address both current and future challenges.
