The Sardinian Paradox: High Quality of Life, Deep-Seated Worries
A recent, comprehensive report titled "Sardinia: The State of Things Between 'Perceived' and Real Structure" paints a fascinating and complex picture of the island in 2024-2025. The fifth edition of this study delves into the gap between how Sardinians perceive their lives and the underlying socio-economic realities, offering a crucial tool for shaping future policies. What emerges is a land of profound contradictions: a place where citizens report one of the highest qualities of life in Italy, yet grapple with deep-seated frustrations about their future and essential public services.
An Economy of Tradition and Transition
When it comes to the economy, Sardinians place immense faith in their traditional strengths. An overwhelming 78% of citizens see tourism as a primary engine for development, while over 60% point to agriculture and fishing as strategic levers. This reflects a powerful collective image, but the report cautions that this perception can be somewhat 'mythical'. While important, these sectors have a limited weight in the island's GDP and cannot single-handedly ensure stable, long-term employment.
However, a shift is underway. There is growing awareness and confidence in the potential of other sectors like industry, services, culture, digital technology, and research. This signals a gradual diversification of the collective vision for Sardinia's future—a future that must be supported by innovation, training, and internationalization to truly flourish.
A Fierce Identity Facing a Youth Exodus
Sardinian identity is a powerful, defining trait. Four out of ten residents identify as Sardinian first and foremost—a figure more than double the national average. This strong sense of belonging fosters a social cohesion that is higher than in the rest of Italy.
But this deep-rooted identity is shadowed by a critical challenge: the future of its youth. A stark statistic reveals that only one in three young Sardinians believes the island can offer them an adequate future, compared to a national average closer to 40%. This perception of stagnation fuels disillusionment and risks a "brain drain" of the island's most vital energies, a problem that demands concrete opportunities for study, work, and personal fulfillment.
Healthcare: The Island's "Exposed Nerve"
Perhaps the most glaring issue highlighted in the report is the state of healthcare. The dissatisfaction with health services in Sardinia creates a "profound rift" with the rest of the country. A staggering seven out of ten Sardinians give a negative assessment of the regional health service, a figure nearly 30 percentage points higher than the Italian average. The primary concerns are:
- Long waiting lists
- A chronic shortage of medical and nursing staff
- The frequent need to travel to other regions for adequate and timely care
Despite this critical situation, the belief in public healthcare remains incredibly strong. Sardinians overwhelmingly recognize health as a universal right to be guaranteed for all. About half of the population still prefers public facilities in principle, a sign of underlying trust that endures despite the system's failures. Encouragingly, data from 2025 shows the first small signs of recovering confidence, suggesting that recent policies may be starting to make a positive impact.
Politics, Immigration, and a Glimmer of Hope
On the political front, there's an encouraging development: trust in regional institutions has grown significantly, jumping from 19% in 2024 to 30% in 2025. The report frames this not as a victory, but as a "credit of trust" that citizens have extended to their leaders—one that must be honored with concrete actions that address the real needs of the community.
Regarding immigration, Sardinia stands out. Compared to the national average, the Sardinian population shows a less conflictual attitude and a greater capacity to see immigration as a potential resource, provided it is managed in an orderly and inclusive way. This welcoming approach is bolstered by a strong local identity and a lower perception of security-related threats.
The Path Forward
The report reveals a Sardinia that is proud, cohesive, and deeply attached to its unique quality of life. Yet, it is also an island confronting serious challenges that cannot be ignored. Bridging the gap between the perception of a good life and the reality of failing services and limited youth opportunities is the central task ahead. The future of Sardinia hinges on the ability of its leaders and communities to build upon its strengths—its identity, cohesion, and emerging economic diversity—to solve its most pressing problems.
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