Pubblici servizi, interesse generale, privative e modelli concorrenti (anche alla luce del nuovo testo unico sui servizi pubblici locali)

The contribution can be considered part of the broader scientific debate on the definition of public service. This essay aims at reconciling the political nature inherent in the public service regime with the freedom of private economic initiative. In doing so, the paper starts with a reflection on the meaning of legal monopoly and exclusive rights, that are traditionally considered immanent to public service. This way, the contribution intends to demonstrate the possible coexistence of different methods: that of public service and that of economic activity of general interest. In fact, the latter, although their own logics, are not necessarily antagonistic, but rather reconcilable and synergic.