Un système de « proportionnelle ethnique » : le secteur public du Trentin-Haut Adige

Résumé 0

An “Ethnic Proportional” Representation System : the Public Sector in Trentino-South Tyrol In Trentino-South Tyrol, and notably the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, public sector jobs are divided up in proportion to the size of the three language groups (German, Italian and Ladin). This special system for the collective protection of minorities, which is described as being an “ethnic proportional” representation system, results from specific historical circumstances and the need to protect the German-speaking minority. However, it raises certain difficulties of a theoretical nature, above all regarding the danger of incompatibility with constitutional rules and EU regulations, and of a practical nature, notably owing to its negative effects in terms of impartiality and effective administration. Although the situation is potentially explosive, it is subject to almost total political and social consensus.