Not just a demographic crisis, but "a crisis of perspective . A structural phenomenon that is now taking on the shape of an emergency for the economic and social future of the island ."

This is what CISL Sardinia stated in a statement examining the latest data released by ISTAT on April 30th as part of the Permanent Population Census, which paints a truly alarming picture for the island: as of December 31, 2024, the resident population had fallen to 1,562,381, a loss of 8,072 people in just one year (-0.5%) . No Sardinian province has recorded any population growth.

EMPTY CRIB – The birth rate is particularly worrying: in 2024, Sardinia recorded just 7,052 children, a record low for the region, with 190 fewer births than the previous year . During the same period, 18,519 deaths were recorded, resulting in a negative natural balance of 11,467.

The birth rate remains at 4.5 per thousand , while the average age of the population rises to 49.2 years and the old-age index reaches 282.5 elderly people for every 100 young people under 15, confirming a progressive and profound imbalance in the demographic structure of the island.

YOUTH FLEEING – Making the situation even more critical is the steady exodus of young people , many of whom leave Sardinia for study or work, with a growing incidence of highly qualified professionals. Among the young people who emigrate, between 30% and 35% have a university degree, while between 45% and 50% have a high school diploma: overall, over 70% of those leaving have at least a high school diploma. This figure highlights that it's not just young people seeking opportunities who are leaving Sardinia, but a significant share of those trained by the regional system.

"It's not just a demographic issue. It's a development issue ," says Pier Luigi Ledda, general secretary of the CISL Sardinia . "Because those leaving aren't just people, but skills, skilled labor, and human capital."

According to the CISL Sardinia, this trend is driven by clear structural factors: wages below the national average, widespread job insecurity, a lack of stable and skilled employment, and a weak regional production system . Indeed, the share of industry in Sardinia stands at around 8% of added value, compared to a national average of around 20%, indicating a structural weakness in the island's economy.

"A region that loses population loses its workforce, internal demand, territorial protection, productive capacity, and welfare sustainability," Ledda continues. "Without people, there is no development. The priority is to retain and attract jobs, young people, and skills."

IN SMALL MUNICIPALITIES – The situation appears even more serious in small municipalities: in towns with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants , the average age exceeds 52 and the aging index approaches 400, that is, almost 400 people over 65 for every 100 children or young people in the 0-14 age group , essentially a ratio of 4 elderly people for every child/young person with a concrete risk of social desertification.

"We can't treat demography as a separate issue from public policy," Ledda emphasizes. "The birth rate can't be supported with isolated measures, but by creating the conditions that allow young couples to stay in Sardinia: decent work, housing, educational services, local healthcare, efficient transportation, and opportunities for professional growth."

THE APPEAL – CISL Sardinia proposes incorporating the demographic issue into an integrated regional strategy, starting with Agenda Sardinia and a Pact for Development, Work, and Training, aimed at building a true Plan for the rebirth of Sardinia.

"Sardinia must choose whether to simply endure decline or lead a new phase of development," Ledda concludes. "Without people, there is no development. But without stable jobs, adequate wages, and a stronger production system, there will be no people."

(Unioneonline/vl)

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