Schools, public offices, and public transport — public life is expected to be paralyzed today in many parts of Italy. Trade unions have called a strike against the government’s budget law, which they consider unfair.
The strike affects almost all sectors of public life: public and rail transport, schools, public administration, and social services. There will also be disruptions in the healthcare sector. The draft budget law for 2026 has encountered strong resistance.
Maurizio Landini, Secretary General of Italy’s largest trade union, CGIL, stated:
“We called this strike to bring real change to people’s lives, especially for those who have to make a living through work.”
His union is demanding higher wages. “We are asking for investments in healthcare and education,” Landini said. “We are asking for the necessary measures to restore social justice, which no longer exists in this country.”
Wages below the EU average
Above all, wages in Italy are quite low compared to the EU average, partly because there is no statutory minimum wage and purchasing power has stagnated for years. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is aware of this, but rejects the criticism.
She argues that the government is working on the issue and highlights her measures:
“We have supported low-wage workers and reduced taxes on wage increases, so that income gained after contract renewals is taxed at only 5%.”
This is a measure previously demanded by the unions. “CGIL had asked for it,” Meloni said. “And how did they respond? With a general strike.”
Credit rating upgraded for the first time
During the presentation of the budget, Prime Minister Meloni also pointed out increased investments in healthcare and tax cuts for middle incomes. However, these measures are criticized by unions and experts as insufficient and ineffective.
Nevertheless, Italy has received international support for its budget policy. In November, credit rating agency Moody’s upgraded Italy’s rating for the first time in 23 years, meaning the country is now considered somewhat more creditworthy. Its debt is seen as remaining within set limits, and the country is regarded as politically stable.
Unions demand more investment in education and healthcare
According to union leader Landini, the government budget is designed mainly to preserve this status. “It is not about improving people’s well-being, but only about maintaining this status,” he said. The goal of the budget, he added, is to comply with the EU’s 3% deficit rule.
“And not just to make the accounts look better,” Landini continued, “but because it pulls Italy out of debt and allows more room for investment in armaments.”
He referred to discussions within the European Union suggesting that military spending by member states could be excluded from public debt calculations. For Prime Minister Meloni, there is no doubt that Italy wants to increase its military spending, and her strategy aligns with the budget.
Is economic stability more important than fair wages?
For trade unions and the opposition, it appears that economic stability and military spending are being prioritized over adequate wages, a functional healthcare system, and quality education. Landini believes that the lack of investment in these areas will harm Italy in the long term, especially as the country continues to receive substantial funds from the EU Recovery Fund. Once the application deadlines expire next year, Italy’s situation could become more complicated.
