Italy's Unused Election Billboards: A 1956 Law Forces Their Costly Installation
Despite being obsolete and unused by political parties, Italy's election billboards (plance elettorali) remain a fixture in public spaces due to a 1956 law mandating their installation. Municipalities like Rome have attempted to dismantle them to redirect funds to road safety, but are blocked by the national legislation. The billboards are described as ugly, dangerous due to sharp metal edges, poorly maintained, and costly for local governments, often requiring permanent damage to sidewalks for installation. Political parties now prefer other marketing methods, leaving the billboards empty. The Italian government and Parliament have not amended the 1956 law, despite potential savings for local authorities. This situation is highlighted as an example of bureaucratic inertia and misplaced priorities, especially as the government pushes for road safety reforms elsewhere.
Key facts
- Election billboards in Italy are mandated by a 1956 law.
- The billboards are largely unused by political parties.
- Municipalities like Rome want to remove them to fund road safety.
- The 1956 law cannot be bypassed by local governments.
- The billboards are described as ugly, dangerous, and costly.
- Installation often requires drilling into sidewalks, causing permanent damage.
- The government has not amended the 1956 law despite potential savings.
- The situation is cited as an example of bureaucratic inertia.
Entities
Institutions
- Comune di Roma
- Parlamento Italiano
- Governo Italiano
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- Rome