Relazioni intergovernative e settore sanitario. Il modello italiano alla prova della crisi

The article examines the dynamics of intergovernmental relations (IGRs) in Italy, focusing on the healthcare sector and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis highlights the evolution of IGRs as well as the interactions between different levels of government in Italy. During the pandemic, intergovernmental coordination was predominantly led by the central Government, revealing a trend toward centralization. The study also explores the challenges and limitations of the Italian IGR system, particularly the “three-pronged” conference system. It also discusses the system’s effectiveness and shortcomings, especially during crises such as the financial crisis of 2008 and the recent pandemic in comparison to the Spanish context. The authors argue that while these conferences play a crucial role in intergovernmental dialogue, they have shown political inadequacies and a lack of technical support, which has led to increased conflict and a drift from a model of collaborative governance