The measure was approved by the regional government headed by Alessandra Todde.

The 55-page measure containing the appeal said the new law violates constitutional limits on differentiated autonomy.

Specifically, they say it violates the principle of loyal cooperation between the State and its regions because it fails to involve the latter in the process.

The law as it stands would allow the transfer of entire policy sectors to regions instead of only providing “additional forms and particular conditions of autonomy”, according to the appeal.

In particular, the law allegedly violates the prerogatives of regions with special statute, like Sardinia, risking to further increase territorial disparities and thus “violating the principles of solidarity and equality”, according to the regional government.

“These defects of constitutionality” damage the autonomy of Sardinia, the regional government said, demanding the total or partial annulment of the law.

The legislation, which enables regions to keep much of their tax take for their own spending, has been accused of worsening the north south gap.

Giorgia Meloni rejects this criticism, saying it will make Italy stronger and more democratic.

ANSA