The House of Commons has voted in favour of the new Commissioner for Public Housing, whose salary is €490,000.

The Italian government has secured the approval of the "Piano casa" decree in the Chamber of Deputies, despite significant controversy surrounding the appointment of a new commissioner for public housing. The decree aims to streamline administrative procedures and provide urgent interventions for the maintenance and recovery of public residential property. However, the political landscape remains tense as opposition parties have raised concerns about both the timing and compensation of the newly appointed commissioner.

At the heart of the debate is the nomination of architect Felice Squitieri as the extraordinary commissioner for public housing. This appointment was made before the formal approval of the decree by the Chamber of Deputies, which has sparked criticism from opposition factions. Squitieri, currently serving as a technical consultant for the Public Administration and acting as a commissioner for environmental impact assessments under the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, will oversee the identification of housing needs and the implementation of intervention programs related to public and social housing. His tenure is set to last until December 31, 2027, with a gross salary of approximately 490,000 euros. He will also have the authority to use decrees in derogation of laws other than criminal ones, while respecting anti-mafia codes and European Union regulations concerning cultural heritage and irrevocable constraints.

The opposition has voiced strong objections to this appointment, particularly focusing on the high salary and the perceived lack of transparency in the process. The Democratic Party criticized the move as disrespectful, questioning whether such a high-profile position should be assigned without proper parliamentary oversight. Meanwhile, the Five Star Movement argued that the commissioner's fixed salary is inappropriate given the nature of his role, suggesting instead that he should receive commissions based on performance. These criticisms highlight broader concerns over the government’s approach to managing public resources and ensuring accountability.

Despite these controversies, the Chamber of Deputies approved the decree with 168 votes in favor. The measure now must be converted into law by July 6 and then undergo a second reading in the Senate. The "Piano casa" includes provisions for accelerated procedures and simplified administrative processes aimed at modernizing around 60,000 public housing units. Additional modifications include the reallocation of funds for university housing, reserved accommodations for law enforcement personnel, and expanded eligibility for priority access to the first-home guarantee fund for individuals with disabilities.

The decree also addresses the issue of financial support for rental assistance, though critics argue that the government has chosen not to refinance the national rental support fund and has reduced measures against unjustified rent arrears. This decision leaves many municipalities without adequate resources and thousands of residents without sufficient protections, according to statements from the Five Star Movement.

In parallel developments, the introduction of a tax on small international packages has been postponed. Originally scheduled to take effect on July 1, the tax will now be implemented starting October 1. This delay follows concerns raised by logistics associations regarding potential negative impacts on trade volumes and state revenue. The tax, intended to counteract the influence of Chinese e-commerce giants, had previously faced delays and suspensions. The postponement reflects ongoing negotiations and adjustments within the government to balance economic interests with regulatory goals.

As the "Piano casa" moves forward, its success will depend on effective implementation and addressing the criticisms raised by opposition parties. The government faces the challenge of ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public housing initiatives while navigating the complex political dynamics that accompany major legislative reforms. With the Senate awaiting further deliberations, the coming months will be crucial in determining how the decree translates into tangible improvements for Italy’s public housing sector.