Italy loosens court control over public tenders, amid protests

FILE PHOTO: A drone view shows the Sicilian coast, with the Calabrian shoreline visible across the Strait of Messina, part of the planned site for construction of a suspension bridge connecting Sicily to mainland Italy, with construction expected to be completed in 2032, in Messina, Italy, August 6, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo

ROME, Dec 27 (Reuters) - ‌Italy's parliament on Saturday approved a reform that loosens controls and sanctions regarding ‌public tenders, amid protests from magistrates and opposition lawmakers who say it will ‌encourage wasteful spending and possible illegality.

The reform, presented by Giorgia Meloni's coalition two years ago, limits the powers of Italy's powerful court of auditors, responsible for ensuring compliance with Italian and European Union rules on the ‍use of public funds.