'Trade zones' in small towns, the League's PDL in the House after the summer

"Keeping shops open, shop windows open" constitutes an important garrison "of sociality, conviviality, and safety", particularly in historical centres, today endangered by degradation and commercial desertification. This is the conviction of Giorgia Andreuzza (Lega), deputy Giorgia Andreuzza (Lega), rapporteur in the Productive Activities Commission of the Chamber of Deputies of a bill, also by the Lega, that aims to regulate the "commerce zones" for the relaunch of historic centres by focusing on shops and shops that sell above all traditional and quality products.

The Pdl provides, among other things, an endowment of 300 million euro for three years, intended to finance redevelopment and upgrading of areas housing neighbourhood commercial activities in centres with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants. The fund, the rapporteur explains, is intended to help municipalities to promote, also in tandem with trade associations, interventions for the redevelopment and revitalisation of urban areas, 'to create a sort of small outdoor shopping districts,' focusing on urban redevelopment and decorum.

"If the municipality goes to support what may be decorum, a trader may be more willing to open his own business. If the activity is also a quality activity a chain is created, even in small towns, of places that can be enjoyed safely and with pleasure," emphasises Andreuzza.

As for the timeframe for approval, 'I think that after the summer we will be able to bring it to the Chamber of Deputies'. "Then of course there will be the passage to the Senate. However, having already done such an intense, detailed, listening job,' he concludes: 'I do not rule out the possibility that, in the face of strong pressure' from the categories and sector associations, 'the government may take it into account and speed up the process, perhaps including it in a future decree on trade, which is important.