Sardinia opposes Italy’s plan to move 750 high-security inmates to the island, fearing crime, tourism harm, and unfair burden.

Sardinia is opposing Italy’s plan to relocate nearly 750 high-security inmates under the 41bis regime to prisons on the island, fearing a revival of its penal colony past and increased mafia influence. Local leaders and officials warn the move could endanger the island’s fragile tourism economy, especially in areas like Nuoro where tourism contributes only 7% of regional output. Though the government says the centralization improves national security, critics argue it risks enabling organized crime to exploit EU funds and public tenders through white-collar tactics. Residents and business groups say the island is being unfairly burdened without adequate infrastructure or investment.