Who Weeps for the Abandoned Italian Villages?
Page 45 of the PSNAI: What If the Real Scandal Is Hypocrisy?
Original Article published in Italian on
In recent days, the infamous page 45 of the National Strategic Plan for Inner Areas (PSNAI) has stirred debate: “Support in a path of irreversible depopulation.” Harsh words, which outraged many — at least on social media.
Some cried scandal, while others reminded us that a strategic document has the duty to describe reality, even when it hurts. Il Sole 24 Ore, in an article this weekend, summed it up well: in the last 10 years, nearly 700,000 residents lost in Italy’s inner areas. In 2023 alone, 341 municipalities recorded zero births. The South suffers more than the North. And the trend seems unstoppable.
Yet this is nothing new. For decades, certain territories have been silently retreating. Everyone claims to love the slow life, the authentic villages, the stone houses. But very few actually live there. And those who do — those who work there with dedication — often remain alone, operating with passion, far from the spotlight of politics and public opinion.
But not everyone has given up. Visionary mayors, resilient citizens, courageous entrepreneurs, cooperatives and associations are carrying out extraordinary regeneration projects every day. Public and private initiatives that don’t wait for the perfect measure or the ideal grant, but take action — often with very limited resources — and generate real impact.
PNRR funds and catchy slogans alone will never save our villages. What’s needed are hands, minds, hearts — and real communities.
With ITS ITALY, after successes and inevitable failures, we chose to start from people, not buildings. Because walls without lives inside are just postcards. Our work is about bringing back residents, investors, and vision. And with ITS Journal, we also try to tell these stories. Open to everyone. Because those who truly act rarely need to play the leading role.
Plans won’t save these territories. People will.
And those who believe in it must keep moving. Together.