About the city

Naples

The solidarity city reinventing common goods

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    The firm and vocal political position of formerr Mayor De Magistris (2011-2021) has significantly reinforced networking among solidarity cites at national and international levels.

  • 2

    The city has launched an innovative common goods charter (one of its kind in Italy) for the creation of self-managed collective spaces, where city assets are considered as commons to be used for social purposes.

  • 3

    The “I Tavoli” – multi-stakeholder decision-making roundtables tackling a specific policy issue. These have proven a successful way of facilitating dialogue between citizens and the administration.

What is unique about Naples?

Local activism meets an active mayor: Naples is an important Mediterranean hub. Its local activism, the strong presence of migrant-led associations as well as the political engagement of former Mayor De Magistris (2011-2021) have established Naples as a “Solidarity City”.

We thank all the citizens who immediately took action – within a few hours, the whole city has positively overcome this social and humanitarian emergency, in a perfect union between institutions and citizens, because together we have supported the welcome process, openness, inclusion, and integration.

Deputy mayor for Welfare R. Gaeta in 2016, after the rescued Gregoretti boat carrying 466 migrants, including 98 unaccompanied minors, disembarked in Naples

What is the focus of local migration policies?

A city of human rights: Concrete and symbolic acts by the De Magistris administration have established Naples as a city of peace and rights in local, national and international arenas. Naples reinforced this position in 2018, in the wake of the national government´s restrictive and punitive position towards sea rescue during (right-wing) Salvini’s time in office as Interior Minister.

What are the greatest achievements so far?

Opposing Salvini, saving lives: Among Naple’s greatest political achievements are its public stance in favour of solidarity and the idea of the “Solidarity City”. In June 2018, De Magistris declared: “Naples is ready, even without funding, to save lives. […] If a heartless Ministry leaves pregnant women, children, the elderly, human beings to die at sea, the port of Naples is ready to welcome them.”

What are the key factors?

A high degree of self-organisation: Coalitions made up of volunteers, NGOs, social movements, trade unions, associations and social service providers take care of the most practical needs and tasks in relation to refugee reception. These organisations often work unofficially and are self-organised. The city government has positioned itself as a mediator and facilitator between local actors and alliances.

Political activities and advocacy beyond the city level

Together with other Italian cities, Naples challenged the hostile migration policies of the national government under Salvini. In recognition of its humanitarian efforts, Naples was included in the Network of Solidarity Municipalities (or Rete dei Comuni Solidali Re.Co.Sol) in January of 2019.

Download the full city report

The city report contains more information about the city’s migration and inclusion policies and selected local approaches. Report from 2021, updated in 2023.

Download Report