Youth exodus from Ticino: Claudio Isabella calls for clear political vision (cross-border guide)

Context

TL;DR

• Ticino loses young talent due to lack of prospects
• Claudio Isabella demands action from cantonal government
• Key sectors like education and housing need intervention

Key facts

• Cosa: Fuga di giovani dal Ticino
• Quando: 11 aprile 2026
• Chi: Claudio Isabella, deputato del Partito Centro Ticino
• Dove: Canton Ticino, Svizzera
• Importo: Oltre 80.000 lavoratori transfrontalieri
• Scadenza: Discussione parlamentare nei prossimi mesi
• Settori: Tecnologia, finanza, sanità, turismo, cultura
• Problemi: Mancanza di alloggi accessibili e costi elevati

On April 11, 2026, Ticino Centre Party deputy Claudio Isabella submitted a formal question to the Ticino cantonal government, demanding concrete answers to the growing exodus of young people from the canton. Isabella, who serves both as a member of the cantonal parliament and a trade unionist, highlighted how the flight of young talent represents a structural challenge for Ticino, particularly in an economic context already struggling to retain and attract skilled workers.

According to Isabella, the cantonal government risks remaining in a 'wait-and-see position', merely monitoring the phenomenon without taking proactive measures. The formal question therefore calls for the development of a clear, forward-looking political strategy capable of addressing the needs of those who choose to leave Ticino and encouraging the return of those who have already made the move. 'The problem is not just economic, but also cultural and social,' the deputy stressed, underlining how the lack of long-term prospects is pushing many young people to seek opportunities elsewhere, especially in urban centers in neighboring Lombardy or central Switzerland.

…

Operational details

The exodus of young people from Ticino is not merely a social issue, but also carries significant economic and fiscal implications for the canton and cross-border workers. According to as-yet unspecified estimates, every young person leaving Ticino represents a loss of productive and tax potential, particularly if they are highly skilled professionals. This could translate into lower tax revenues for the canton and reduced demand for public services such as healthcare and education.

The economic impact: what is Ticino at risk of?

Ticino has long relied on traditional sectors such as tourism, craftsmanship, and agriculture. However, in recent years, some industries have been in crisis, while others struggle to innovate. The exodus of young people, in this context, risks accelerating the decline of these sectors, with negative consequences for employment and economic growth. In particular, high-tech and advanced services sectors could slow down if local talent cannot be retained.

Competition with neighboring regions

This phenomenon is not unique to Ticino but is widespread across many Italian and Swiss regions. Cities like Milan, Zurich, and Geneva offer higher average salaries, often lower living costs (for equivalent services), and greater career opportunities. In Ticino’s case, proximity to Lombardy presents both an opportunity and a threat: on one hand, cross-border workers can continue to work in Ticino while maintaining their residence in Italy, but on the other, many young Ticinesi choose to relocate across the border for more favorable working conditions.

…

Key points

If the Ticino Council of State decides to intervene concretely on the flight of young people, cross-border workers working in Ticino could be among the main beneficiaries. However, it is not yet clear what measures will be taken. Here's what you can do today to prepare for any changes.

Step 1: Stay informed about the decisions of the Council of State

The Ticino Council of State will discuss Claudio Isabella's question in the coming months. To stay up to date, it is advisable to follow the official communications of the cantonal government, consulting the dfc.ti.ch website or subscribing to institutional newsletters. In addition, it is useful to follow local newspapers such as laRegione and Corriere del Ticino for real-time updates.

Step 2: Assess your work situation

For young professionals working in Ticino, it may be useful to evaluate their job position and the opportunities offered by their company. In particular, it is advisable to: - Check if the company offers training or mentoring programs for young talent. - Check if there are any company policies that provide tax incentives or benefits for employees. - Consider participating in networking events organized by institutions such as SUPSI or USI, to expand your job opportunities.

Step 3: Explore the opportunities offered by Ticino

Even if the phenomenon of young people fleeing is real, Ticino still offers interesting opportunities. For example:

• Training: The Canton's vocational and technical schools, such as SUPSI, offer high-quality courses in areas such as IT, engineering and healthcare. In addition, the presence of the USI allows access to university courses of excellence.

…