The Italian Parliament approved on Saturday a reform that relaxes controls and sanctions on public tenders, despite protests from magistrates and opposition parliamentarians, on the grounds that the change would encourage unnecessary spending and possible illegalities.
Presented by Giorgia Meloni’s coalition two years ago, the reform limits the powers of the Italian Court of Auditors, responsible for ensuring compliance with Italian and European Union rules regarding the use of public funds.
Meloni’s right-wing government has frequently clashed with branches of Italy’s justice system, accusing judges of left-wing bias.
Just two months ago, the Court of Auditors refused to authorize a government project to build a bridge linking Sicily to the mainland, a decision considered “intolerable interference” by Meloni.
The reform bill was approved by the Senate this Saturday by 93 votes to 51.
Among the changes introduced, it stipulates that the maximum sanction for administrators negligent in the use of public money cannot exceed 30% of the loss caused by their actions or the equivalent of two years’ salary.
The bill also contains a “silence constitutes consent” clause. Under this provision, if an administrator requests the court’s opinion on an authorization for expenditure, he or she must respond within 30 days, failing which the authorization will be considered valid and the administrator will be protected from any future sanctions.
The government says the changes will help the economy, by speeding up procedures and overcoming widespread hesitancy among politicians to approve public works for fear of coming into conflict with the audit court.
About The Author
