Speaking at the annual Confcommercio assembly, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the country's demographic decline as one of its most pressing economic and social issues. According to Meloni, supporting younger generations and encouraging higher birth rates is essential not only for preserving Italy's identity, but also for safeguarding the long-term sustainability of its welfare system.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the government's efforts to combat tax evasion, pointing to the closure of around 24,000 so-called "open-and-close" businesses accused of exploiting loopholes by repeatedly shutting down and reopening under different names.
"This is not a banana republic. Rules are meant to be respected," Meloni said.
She also reaffirmed the government's commitment to lowering the tax burden on the middle class, supporting the transport sector through fuel measures, and expanding policies aimed at helping families. Meloni stressed that motherhood should never be seen as an obstacle to women's careers, citing investments in parental leave, childcare services, and incentives for working mothers.