Giorgia Meloni's Press Conference: Italy's Future, Economy, and EU Policy

Domestic Security and Social Challenges

• ⚠️ Meloni criticized the Venezuelan regime and the Italian left's perceived support for it, highlighting the severe poverty and human rights issues faced by the Venezuelan people.
• 🚨 The government is monitoring cases of terrorism financing, specifically mentioning the arrest of Mohammed Annun and others, and believes the political class previously underestimated the phenomenon.
• 🛡️ New measures are being prepared to combat youth gangs, including banning the carrying of bladed weapons, prohibiting online sales to minors, and imposing sanctions on parents of minors involved in violence.
• 🏫 Efforts to address social issues include reducing school dropout rates (from 11.5% to 8.7%, recovering 500,000 minors) and reintroducing civic education and conduct grades.
• 🔥 Regarding the Cremona tragedy, Meloni stated it was not an accident but a result of negligence, emphasizing the need for accountability and prosecution of those responsible, and considering new safety rules for venues, like banning indoor fireworks.

Economic Performance and Industrial Policy

• 📈 Meloni highlighted positive trends in Italian purchasing power, which increased by 20 billion euros in the last year, and noted that salaries have started to grow faster than inflation since October 2023.
• 📊 The government's economic strategy focuses on tax relief and social security contributions to boost net wages, rather than gross wages, which are typically reported in statistics.
• 🏭 Addressing industrial crises, particularly in the automotive sector and Ilva, Meloni attributed problems to European Green Deal choices and inherited complexities, emphasizing the need for a stable industrial plan, job protection, and environmental safety for Ilva.
• 💡 Key priorities for economic growth include supporting employment, lowering energy prices, and fostering investments, with the Special Economic Zone (ZES) for Southern Italy cited as a model for national investment.

Italy's Role in Europe and International Relations

• 🌍 Italy has achieved significant influence in Europe, particularly on migration policy, shifting the EU focus from migrant redistribution to external dimension, border defense, and effective repatriations.
• 🌱 The government also secured important results on the Green Deal, forming a coalition of 10 like-minded countries to advocate for a more pragmatic approach to green transition targets.
• 🇺🇸 Meloni expressed disagreement with US President Trump's stance on international law, asserting its importance and reiterating Italy's foreign policy alignment with the EU and NATO.
• 🕊️ On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Meloni emphasized the need for Europe to speak with a single voice and consider dialogue with Russia, but deemed discussions about Russia rejoining the G8 as premature until a peace process is established.

Government Stability and Electoral Reform

• ✅ Meloni affirmed the stability of her government, stating it is one of the most solid among major European democracies despite internal debates, which she views as a "value added" for reflection.
• 🗳️ The government is working towards an electoral reform that would allow the party with the most votes to govern for five years with a solid majority, aiming to increase citizen participation and ensure governmental stability.
• 🗓️ The most probable dates for the upcoming electoral consultations are March 22-23, with the goal of implementing new rules for the CSM (Superior Council of Magistracy) before its renewal.

Housing Emergency and Future Plans

• 🏡 The government is preparing a comprehensive "Casa Plan" (Housing Plan) in collaboration with Minister Salvini and other stakeholders, aiming to address the housing emergency.
• 🎯 The plan's objective is to make available 100,000 new affordable apartments over the next 10 years, in addition to public housing initiatives.