While disagreeing on the particulars of Italy's migration management, all regions of the country displayed a rare show of unity in criticizing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government for its decision to exclude the regional governments from recent decisions made in migration matters.

"We have not been consulted and we can't learn about things when decisions have already been taken," representatives said, unanimously asking for a meeting with the central government, in particular with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci, as well as the newly appointed commissioner delegate for the state of emergency for migrants, Valerio Valenti.

Regional governors however remain split in their views on amendments to the so-called "Cutro decree," which are intended to limit Italy's special protection regime for migrants. The majority of members of the permanent conference for relations between the state and the regions have backed the central government's recent measures on migration.

But center-left governors, who are in a minority, have asked for the withdrawal of changes announced by parliament.

Minister Piantedosi meanwhile described the decree as a "first turning point," noting that "we intend to follow this road" so rules in the country are respected to "fight illegal immigration more effectively while promoting the integration of regular migrants."

The Senate on Thursday approved the Cutro decree for conversion into law. It will now go to the lower house for final approval by May 10.

Disagreement on state of emergency

Regions governed by the Democratic Party (PD), such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Campania and Puglia, meanwhile also refused last week to approve a six-month nationwide state of emergency on migration declared by the central government in Rome.

This means that these regions can exclude themselves from measures taken under the emergency.

Municipalities also want to have a greater say

Meanwhile, the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) has also asked to be more involved in decisions pertaining to migrations issues.

Mayors gave an overall favorable opinion from ANCI to government measures on migration, provided a proposed amendment is approved to add 4,000 places for unaccompanied foreign minors and 1,000 places for the sick and mentally ill.

According to ANCI, there is a real urgency with unaccompanied minors in particular as well as with "measures to speed up procedures to obtain a residence permit, which today requires a long time."