Rustichelli: “Pnrr unique opportunity, simplify the procurement code”

“Post-pandemic reconstruction is a unique opportunity to overcome ancient weaknesses and give the country the necessary structures to help ensure an efficient production system” but it is necessary to “simplify” the current legislation such as the Procurement Code. This is what was underlined by the Antitrust President Roberto Rustichelli illustrating the Authority’s Annual Report. “The keys to our relaunch are those clearly identified in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan approved by the European Commission. There is much more at stake than the 191.5 billion envisaged by the Plan in favor of Italy, which is the largest beneficiary of the allocated funds: in reality, the credibility of the country is at stake “, he observed. However, “there are many unknowns regarding the implementation of the Plan, starting from a hypertrophic regulatory framework that acts as a brake on investments. in infrastructures “warns the president of the Authority.” If we consider that today 74% of corruption proceedings concern the public procurement sector, in particular tendering procedures (82%), rather than direct assignments ( 18%), an urgent reflection is required. All this demonstrates that the Code of public contracts, which has been amended numerous times, not only has not been able to contribute to reducing offenses, but also risks with its cumbersome and complications, to hinder the achievement of the ambitious objectives assigned to our country “said Rustichelli. After all,” the elephantiasis legislation translates into many implication of places and occasions of corruption. The market needs few rules, clear and proportionate “, he observes.” It is necessary to return to trust in administrative discretion, which is an indispensable element for public administrations to be true and balanced interpreters of principles and rules, in order to achieve the objectives of general interest entrusted to their care are effective and timely “says Rustichelli.