Coalition Divisions Emerge Over Hunting Reform
Italy's proposed hunting reform is exposing growing divisions within the governing coalition. While Brothers of Italy and the League strongly support the legislation, Forza Italia has introduced a package of amendments aimed at softening several of its most controversial provisions.
The move highlights different political sensitivities within the centre-right on issues involving wildlife protection, hunting regulations and agricultural interests.
Fourteen Amendments to Restrict the Reform
Members of Parliament Deborah Bergamini and Rita Dalla Chiesa have submitted fourteen amendments seeking significant changes to the bill.
Among the proposals is the explicit inclusion of beaches and seaside resorts among areas where hunting would remain prohibited, expanding the list of protected public spaces.
Tougher Penalties for Illegal Hunting
Forza Italia also wants stricter penalties for illegal hunting in protected areas.
Its amendments would restore both imprisonment of up to six months and financial fines for hunting inside national and regional parks, urban gardens and sports facilities.
According to the party, stronger sanctions would provide a more effective deterrent against violations.
Changes to the Hunting Calendar
The proposed amendments would also shorten the possible extension of the hunting season.
Forza Italia wants any extension to end no later than February 1 and seeks to eliminate the possibility of additional extensions within private hunting reserves.
Ban on Live Decoys and Restrictions on Night Vision Devices
Among the most notable proposals is the elimination of the use of live decoy birds, which are currently used to attract wild birds during hunting.
The party also wants night-vision equipment to be authorised only for the selective control of wild boars rather than for broader hunting purposes.
Fewer Huntable Species
The amendments also reduce the list of species that may legally be hunted.
Forza Italia proposes removing skylarks and wild geese from the list of huntable species and excluding urban pigeons from authorised wildlife control operations.
Five Star Movement Launches Major Parliamentary Obstruction
The opposition Five Star Movement has responded by announcing one of the largest parliamentary filibusters in recent Italian politics.
Its lawmakers have filed one million amendments, prepared together with environmental and animal welfare organisations including LIPU, WWF Italy, ENPA and LAV.
The party argues that the legislation threatens biodiversity, wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
Approval Likely to Be Delayed
The growing number of amendments and the divisions within the governing coalition make it increasingly unlikely that Parliament will approve the hunting reform before the summer recess.
Meanwhile, both the Italian Presidency and the European Commission continue to monitor the legislation to assess its compatibility with the EU's Habitats and Birds Directives.
Although the government argues that updating Italy's 1992 hunting law is necessary to better manage wildlife populations and protect agriculture, the political consensus behind the reform now appears significantly weaker than during its passage through the Senate.