In Italy, the battle for the beaches is on

Un little wind of revolution could soon blow over the coast of Belpaese. And for good reason: from 1^er January 2024, the management of all of the country’s seaside concessions will now be subject to a call for tenders. A measure, decided this week in the Council of Ministers, which should restore order in a real far west coast that has been going on for decades, thus hails part of the Italian press. And which could even eventually “change the face” of Italian sandy beaches, 42% of which are occupied by private concessions.

For Mario Draghi, the primary objective is to avoid a costly fine hanging in the face of Rome. Italy is indeed accused by Brussels of having dragged its feet too long to apply the famous “directi…