After nearly 17 hours of discussions, the Sicilian Regional Assembly approved the budget for 2025-2027 on the morning of December 29, 2024, marking another significant legislative achievement for the region. With 39 votes in favor and 20 opposed, the assembly ensured continuity for regional policies by avoiding temporary financial governance, which has often been the case in previous years.
This package, which encompasses three financial documents valued at approximately 950 million euros, promises to pump much-needed funds to municipalities, particularly those facing financial distress. According to the Assembly, this initiative aims not only to bolster local governments but also to address urgent issues such as the prolonged drought conditions affecting the island.
President of the Region, Renato Schifani, expressed pride over this accomplishment, noting, “With the Stability Law, we overcome another page of precariousness, we launch measures for Sicilian economic growth and to support consumption.” He highlighted this as the second consecutive year the assembly has sidestepped the provisional budget route, showcasing newfound financial responsibility.
Schifani's remarks came during the long discussions led by Assembly President Gaetano Galvagno. The legislative marathon, which started on Friday afternoon, reinforced the sense of collaboration among members to secure timely funding and policy frameworks. “This approval is important for our Region. We have avoided provisional governance, demonstrating responsibility and shared vision by the Sicilian Parliament,” Schifani stated.
Among the key allocations within the budget, 10 million euros have been set aside to assist struggling municipalities. The approved maneuver also includes provisions for the hiring of 258 workers for the Department of Cultural Heritage, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving Sicily’s rich cultural legacy.
The assembly also earmarked significant funds aimed at supporting the local public transport company, Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (AST), along with 30 million euros allocated over two years to reduce consumer loan interest, intended to alleviate financial strain on local families. This is particularly relevant as economic challenges grow amid rising living costs.
Nuccio Di Paola, regional coordinator for the Movimento 5 Stelle (M5S), emphasized the party's contribution to the finalized budget: “We managed to unblock liquidity for the struggling municipalities, the vulnerable categories, and to combat the drought emergency,” he stated post-approval. This sentiment reflects the joint efforts of both the governing coalition and opposition members to deliver substantial support to local communities.
Beyond these allocations, several amendments proposed by the M5S enhanced financial support for vulnerable groups. Notably, funds for those requiring oncological wigs increased from 1.2 million to 10 million euros, allowing municipalities to address their specific recovery plans from financial difficulties.
While providing these urgent supports, discussions also highlighted the pressing need for streamlined bureaucratic processes within Special Economic Zones, with commitments made to address this issue through future legislative initiatives.
The passing of this financial maneuver is particularly historic as it breaks a 20-year trend where budgetary measures have often been passed late, encroaching upon the new year. Schifani stressed this achievement as symbolic of the government’s aim to bolster its reliability with citizens and promote economic growth across the region.
Reflecting on this budget’s potential impact, Schifani noted, “This result is the fruit of collective effort from all the deputies, brought together by the leaders of both majority and opposition, and I thank them for their contribution.”
The legislative session concluded with optimism about the positive consequences these investments may have on the Sicilian economy and wellbeing of its residents. Time will reveal how much of this budget can materialize benefits to those who need it most, as the region continues to face various challenges.
