Italy: Strike begins against Meloni’s budget plans

A strike has begun in Italy against the budget plans of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government, which has been in office for two years. The public sector with its many authorities is particularly affected by the work stoppages: strikes are taking place in schools, hospitals, the post office and at toll booths on the highway, among other places. Work should stop for four hours in local public transport, as well as in air transport.

The protest – declared a “general strike” – is directed against the Meloni government’s draft budget. The trade union federation CGIL described the planned cuts and austerity measures as “completely inadequate to solve the country’s problems”. The unions are demanding higher wages and pensions as well as more money for health, education and the public service as a whole.

Government wants to reduce national debt

The coalition of three right-wing and conservative parties cites the reduction of national debt as its most important goal. According to forecasts, the national debt of the EU founding member will rise to around three trillion euros this year. This makes Italy one of the countries with the highest debt ratio in the world.

Originally the strike was supposed to have lasted longer. However, Transport Minister Matteo Salvini from the right-wing Lega party prevailed against the unions with a regulation stating that strikes in local public transport are not allowed during rush hours in the morning and evening. The decision was confirmed by a court. However, an eight-hour strike was permitted in other areas of the public sector.