Partners

The National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) was set up in 1901 and its defining characteristics are set out in its statute: responsibility towards the communities administered; autonomy from governments and political parties; unity for the protection and development of municipal communities; solidarity between institutions regardless of any political, geographical or numerical distinction.

The written rules of ANCI and its day-to-day activities reflect these principles.

 With the arrival of fascism, the authoritarian concept of the state did not tolerate the principles of freedom, autonomy and participation espoused by ANCI. The replacement of the freely elected mayors first with fascist commissaries and, later with Podestas, was the beginning of a process that culminated in the dissolution of the Association.

Reuniting at the Campidoglio in Rome in September 1946, the mayors, together and united, reconstituted the National Association of Italian Municipalities.

 There has been no democratic achievement in Italy to which ANCI has not contributed. There has been no national tragedy to which ANCI has not responded.

During the difficult times of political struggle in the last century, ANCI’s management—regardless of their generation or political colour—made the four inherited principles of responsibility, autonomy, unity and solidarity their watchwords.

 In 2004 ANCI received a gold medal for civil merit from the Italian President, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.

With a century of achievements, and a membership which now includes almost every municipality in Italy, representing over 90% of the population, ANCI is deeply rooted in the social, geographic and cultural fabric of Italy.