Article 9 of the Constitution changes: heritage protection added to environmental protection

The Chamber of Deputies approved today, with 468 votes in favor, one against and six abstentions, the amendment toArticle 9 of the Constitution, the one that protects the nation’s historical and artistic heritage, as well as its landscape. An addition is made to the article to include environmental protection. Article 41, on economic initiative, is also amended for the same reason.

The change is introduced by the constitutional law whose process began on June 9, 2021 is that it had been approved by the Senate by a two-thirds majority last November 3 (approval in the House, also by two-thirds, makes the law take effect immediately). It therefore changes the text of Article 9, which currently reads, “The Republic shall promote the development of culture and scientific and technical research. It shall protect the landscape and the historical and artistic heritage of the Nation.” A new sentence is added at the end: “It protects the environment, biodiversity and ecosystems, including in the interest of future generations. State law shall regulate the ways and forms of animal protection.”

As mentioned, Article 41 is also amended: “Private economic initiative is free. It may not be carried out contrary to social utility or in such a way as to be detrimental to security, freedom, and human dignity. The law shall determine the appropriate programs and controls so that public and private economic activity may be directed and coordinated for social purposes.” It is amended to read, “Private economic initiative is free. It may not be carried out contrary to social utility or in such a way as to be detrimental to health, the environment, security, freedom, and human dignity. The law shall determine appropriate programs and controls so that public and private economic activity may be directed and coordinated for social and environmental purposes.”

Satisfaction from the Minister of Ecological Transition, Roberto Cingolani: “This vote of Parliament marks a momentous day: I witness here the presence of the government that believes in this change, thanks to which our Republic introduces in its founding principles the protection of the environment.”

“Great satisfaction for the Parliament’s okay to amend the Constitution with the inclusion of environmental protection and the principle of intergenerational justice,” declares instead the Minister of Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility, Enrico Giovannini, as Asvis’s forebear had been among the promoters of the law. “Mims,” says the minister, “is already going in the direction of sustainable development, as the change of the name of the Ministry shows. We are working to make infrastructure and mobility more sustainable and resilient for this and future generations.”

Article 9 of the Constitution changes: heritage protection added to environmental protection

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.