Italy’s long-standing emigration trend remains a key concern for the government, with wages identified as the central issue driving people to leave the country. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made the point during her annual press conference in the Chamber of Deputies, arguing that the perception of better pay abroad continues to weigh heavily on individual decisions.

Meloni said the government has already worked to raise salaries, but suggested that a specific focus on entry-level wages could be worth considering. According to the prime minister, addressing pay at the start of a career could help send a concrete signal to younger workers and graduates weighing the option of moving overseas.

Beyond wages, Meloni also highlighted what she described as a cultural problem linked to merit. She noted that many Italians feel professional success is influenced more by background and personal connections than by ability. Challenging that perception, she said, is essential to restoring confidence in the idea that individual effort and talent can shape one’s future.

Turning to the data on emigration, Meloni questioned the widespread narrative of a “brain drain,” pointing out that departures involve people across the education spectrum. While university graduates make up roughly 31 per cent of Italy’s population, they account for a similar share - around 35 per cent - of those who move abroad.

The prime minister acknowledged that in an increasingly globalised world, spending time abroad can be a valuable experience. The real issue, she argued, lies in the low return rate. Fewer than half of those who leave eventually come back, a figure Meloni described as insufficient and a clear area where policy intervention is needed.