The conflict over Haut-Adige province

Italy and Austria are experiencing some coolness in their relationship over the Haut Adige, an autonomous bilingual (German-Italian) province that is near Austrian Tyrol but situated on Italian territory. One hundred thirteen local politicians signed a petition calling for the recognition of their cultural identity and the rapprochement of their province with Austria. For Gian Enrico Rusconi, a professor of political science at the University of Turin, a critical juncture has been reached. "Re-opening the question of the German linguistic minority - one we thought had been politically and legally resolved years ago - is irresponsible. ... It is a sign of the pitiful electoral climate that prevails from Rome to Bolzano ... At a moment when national political life seems to be becoming derailed, there is a strong temptation to take advantage of the situation to press one's own self interests."  

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