From the earliest written traces, dating back to around 1300, to the current role of San Marino’s local administrations. The Castle Council (Giunta di Castello) of Domagnano is organizing an evening dedicated to the history of the Castle Councils and their relationship with citizens and central government, set for Tuesday, October 13, at 9 pm, at Sala Montelupo.
The discussion will trace the evolution of this institution and also address the question of greater decision-making and economic autonomy. “We will undertake a historical inquiry starting from around 1300, the earliest period in which written traces of this important democratic instrument have been found, examining its evolution right up to an analysis of the institution as it stands today,” reads the statement.
Domagnano’s Council highlights the difficulties faced by Castle administrations in meeting the needs of the population. “The often maligned Castle Councils are an important democratic institution in our country, and the ones closest to a direct relationship with citizens. Yet they are frequently underestimated and not given the means to provide citizens with answers even to the simplest requests.”
To illustrate the weight of local administration, the organizers point to Domagnano, which has around 3,700 residents, drawing a comparison with numerous small Italian municipalities. Hence the call to enhance the role of the Councils: “Local administration of a Castle should therefore not be downplayed, but on the contrary should be strengthened, making the Councils independent of central power through processes granting greater decision-making and economic autonomy (spending power), as called for by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.”
Taking part in the discussion will be Andrea Belluzzi, Secretary of State for Internal Affairs and Relations with the Castle Councils; Francesco Morganti, legal expert at the National Statistics Office, who will lead the historical overview; Giacomo Rinaldi, spokesperson for the Consulta delle Giunte (Council of Castle Councils) and Captain of the Castle of Montegiardino; and Roberta Cecchini, Captain of the Castle of Domagnano. The debate will be moderated by Giuliano Tamagnini, a member of Domagnano’s Council.
The invitation is extended to citizens and Councils from all the Castles. “In light of these and many other issues repeatedly raised by the Councils, we would like to create the conditions for a free and democratic discussion, starting precisely from the historical premise that it must pass through the active participation of the population,” the organizers explain. “We therefore invite the Councils of all the Castles, and citizens alike, to take part in this moment of dialogue, in the knowledge that through participation we will help raise the quality of our democracy.”
