Devolution in Italy and the Nordic countries

Throughout Europe, outside Britain, the iron grip of central government is collapsing in favour or devolotion. For instance, in Italy the government is legislating to give local authorities powers to raise property, income and road taxes. Even this has not satisfied local ambitions. Eleven Northern regions have successfully campaigned to force a national referendum to abolish the health, industry and agriculture ministries in Rome and to disperse their functions to the regions. The vote takes place during 1993.

And in the Nordic countries, decentralisation has a long pedigree. Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland have institutionalised a 'free commune' experiment. A local authority can ask the central government to relax any control which it regards as inhibiting. This is done on a six-year experimental basis. If no problems emerge, the control will be abolished nationwide.