Italy
The Republic of Italy exhibits high-range performance in all categories of the Global State of Democracy (GSoD) framework, except for Rule of Law, where it performs in the mid-range. It is amongst the top 25 per cent in the world with regard to its performance in all factors, except for Freedom of Religion and Electoral Participation. Between 2018-2023, it has experienced notable declines in Freedom of Expression, although it remains in the high range. Italy, one of the world’s largest economies, is distinguished by its strengths in business and financial services, agricultural and industrial production, scientific research and information technology, as well as tourism and luxury fashion and design.
Italy, the birthplace of ancient Roman civilization, unified in 1861 through the Risorgimento, a 19th-century movement that consolidated the Italian states into the Kingdom of Italy. In 1922, Benito Mussolini rose to power, establishing a fascist regime. Italy joined World War II on Germany’s side but switched allegiance in 1943 after Mussolini was overthrown. The monarchy was abolished in 1946, and a new constitution was established in 1948. Although Italy has experienced some recent political stability, the country has been characterized by instability and complex governance arrangements. High political party volatility has been the norm since the 1990s, when the party system collapsed due to the Tangentopoli scandal. Italian politics remains highly personalized; however, recent developments indicate a strengthening of the traditional left-right divide within the political system. The North-South divide has long been a key issue in Italian politics and economy, with lingering ethno-regionalism and the South feeling consistently disadvantaged compared to the wealthier North. Demographic crisis of an ageing population and its economic effects further present a pressing issue for politics, in particular the debates about the Italian pension system. Corruption remains a key concern, particularly high-level corruption and politicians’ ties with organised crime groups. There are also worries about the environment for journalists, including the use of defamation laws against them, increasing political influence and control of the media, as well as censorship and intimidation.
Euroscepticism became a key issue following strict fiscal policies from Eurozone membership, the 2008 financial crisis, and the Eurozone debt crisis, which many blamed for exacerbating economic struggles, especially in the South. The migration crisis intensified Euroscepticism, especially among right-wing parties, as many believed the EU left Italy to manage the burden alone. Italy's migration reforms, often perceived as discriminatory, alongside targeting of migrants and reports of labour exploitation, compounded the issue. The country also grapples with anti-Roma violence, social invisibility, and discrimination.
Italy has a high-performance in Gender Equality according to the GSoD Indices. Yet, misogyny, femicide and gender-based violence remain widespread. The country also struggles with gender inequalities in political representation, education and labour force. While same-sex relationships and civil unions are legal, same-sex marriage is not, and there is a growing trend of restricting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Looking ahead, it will be crucial to monitor Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Expression due to reported challenges faced by journalists. Social Group Equality is another important area to observe, especially in light of anti-migrant rhetoric and restrictions on LGBTQIA+ rights. Finally, attention should be given to the Rule of Law, particularly the Absence of Corruption, in view of Italy's ongoing issues with corruption and organized crime.
Last updated: August 2024
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
March 2025
Parliamentary committee investigates spyware use targeting journalists and activists
The parliamentary intelligence oversight committee (Copasir) is investigating allegations that activists and investigative journalists were targeted with spyware developed by the Israel-based company Paragon, and the extent of government involvement. The inquiry aims to assess whether the surveillance complied with Italian law and whether intelligence services acted within their legal mandate. Copasir will present its findings to Parliament. Although hearings are classified, Italian media reported in March that the official overseeing intelligence agencies admitted the government had approved surveillance of certain activists as part of a “preventive investigation into illegal immigration.” The official reportedly said Mediterranea Saving Humans, which rescues migrants in the Mediterranean, was classified as a national security threat. On 5 February, the government confirmed that seven unnamed WhatsApp users were targeted but denied involvement.
Sources: International Federation of Journalists, Council of Europe, The Guardian, Euractiv, la Repubblica (1), la Repubblica (2), il Fatto Quotidiano, Euractiv
December 2024
Parliament passes decree changing responsible courts for migrant detention
On 4 December, the Senate approved the Decree on Migration Flows, transferring the authority to validate asylum seekers' detention from specialized courts to the Courts of Appeal. The legislation was proposed by the ruling Brothers of Italy party followings tensions between the government and the judiciary. These tensions developed after the migration judges ruled the return of migrants from camps in Albania to Italy, blocking Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s deal with Albania. The opposition has referred to this amendment as a retaliation against these judges. Magistrates said the change may overburden courts and affect decision quality. The new provisions introduce stricter rules on family reunification and a new list of countries considered "safe", which includes countries such as Bangladesh, Egypt and Morocco. Designating these countries as "safe" could lead to faster asylum rejections and more deportations for asylum-seekers from these countries.
Sources: NT+ Diritto, Italian Government – Integrazione Migranti, Senato, il Fatto Quotidiano, il Dubbio, InfoMigrants, Notizie (1), Notizie (2), International IDEA
October 2024
Senate passes bill criminalising pursuing surrogacy abroad
On 16 October, the Senate passed a law extending Italy’s 2004 surrogacy ban to criminalize seeking surrogacy abroad, even in countries where it is legal. Proposed by the Brothers of Italy party, the law sets penalties of up to two years in jail and EUR 1 million in fines. While Prime Minister Meloni called the law a “rule of common sense, against the exploitation of the female body and children,” critics argue it makes surrogacy a serious universal crime, and it disproportionately targets LGBTQIA+ couples, who are already excluded from adoption, artificial insemination, and IVF. Concerns were also raised about the potential legal limbo that families and children could suffer, as well as how evidence will be collected to enforce the law and if it will apply retroactively. Italy has recently seen a surge in restrictive policies against the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly reproductive rights.
Sources: Politico, Giurisprudenza penale, International IDEA, Global Citizenship Observatory, Verfassungsblog, The Loop
September 2024
Chamber of Deputies approves security bill, targeting peaceful resistance
On 18 September, the Chamber of Deputies (lower house of Parliament) approved a security bill that introduces changes to the penal code. If passed, it will create up to 20 new offences and increase prison sentences. It would criminalize passive resistance, non-violent road blockages, and resisting police in prison or migrant centers. Penalties for property damage during violent protests would also increase. Off-duty police officers would be allowed to carry weapons without a license and wider surveillance in prisons and detention centers would be introduced. Pregnant women and women with children under one year old would no longer be exempt from prison. The bill has drawn strong criticism from the opposition, activists (especially from environmental and labour rights groups), civil society, and the judiciary, with one prosecutor warning it could return Italy to authoritarian-era criminal laws. The bill requires Senate approval as a next step.
Sources: il Post, Giurisprudenza Penale (1), Giurisprudenza Penale (2), Giurisprudenza Penale (3), El Pais, Politico
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