Special report | Sunrise or sunset?

Southern Italy needs private enterprise and infrastructure

It does not just need more public money

CEFALU, ITALY - JULY 10: People swim in the old town during summer season as local and foreigner tourists start to gather in Cefalu, the old town in Palermoâs province (Sicily), included in the UNESCOâs heritage list for its Arab-Norman architecture, Italy on July 10, 2022. The wide coastline, with sandy and rocky beaches, also attracts tourists. (Photo by Valeria Ferraro/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Lots of tourists in the seaImage: Getty Images

Most European countries have regional problems. Sometimes this translates into full-blown independence movements (Britain and Spain spring to mind). But more often the issues are inequality, high unemployment and lack of development. Italy no longer has a serious independence movement, and it has devolved significant powers to city mayors and regional presidents. But in its south it has one of Europe’s most troubled regions: the mezzogiorno.

This article appeared in the Special report section of the print edition under the headline “Sunrise or sunset?”

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From the December 10th 2022 edition

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