The Italian Senate has officially approved the budget law for 2025 following a confidence vote sought by the government. This significant step was completed on December 28, 2024, marked by 112 votes of support against 67 opposed and one abstention. Following this, the final vote on the budget law itself was conducted, resulting in 108 votes in favor, 63 against, and another abstention.
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, hailed the passage of the budget law as indicative of the government's ability to maintain fiscal responsibility. She stated, "The Parliament has approved the 2025 budget law, the third since the government took office. It is a maneuver of great balance, supporting middle and low incomes, aiding families with children, allocating record resources for health care, reducing tax pressure, and assisting those who produce and create employment and well-being." This sentiment underlines the administration’s commitment to fiscal prudence combined with social welfare.
Meloni emphasized the importance of keeping state accounts orderly, asserting, "We do not renounce implementing the electoral program we presented to Italians, and we give even more momentum to our commitment to combat real tax evasion and lay the foundations for a new relationship between the State and citizens. Another step forward to build a fairer, stronger, and more competitive Italy." This approach appears to resonate well with her base, especially those advocating for economic support.
Despite the affirmations from the government, the vote was not without conflict. Tensions escalated during the debates, showcasing sharp exchanges between governmental supporters and opposition members. One of the most pointed confrontations occurred between Matteo Renzi, leader of Italia Viva, and Ignazio La Russa, the president of the Senate. Renzi challenged La Russa to uphold procedural decorum within the chamber, prompting La Russa to respond by dismissing Renzi’s call for silence as mere noise of standard parliamentary life.
Renzi did not hold back, stating, "You, camerata La Russa, must learn to respect the institutions of this chamber." La Russa shot back, insisting Renzi needed to show courtesy and not shy away from the truth. The conversation turned confrontational, with Renzi alluding to La Russa's background, remarking, "I thought I was complimenting you," highlighting the deep divisions the budget has caused.
Additional criticism from Renzi mentioned, "The Prime Minister is violating all the rules of parliamentary democracy," reflecting discontent toward the rapid approval process which reportedly led to many elements of the budget being pushed through without adequate discussion. He drew attention to the percentage of government-proposed measures approved with only one reading, calling this situation alarming.
The session not only revealed the fissures within the parliament but also hinted at potential challenges the government may face moving forward. Renzi’s remarks suggested broader concerns about legislative processes under the current administration, particularly with respect to the reliance on confidence votes to hasten political decision-making.
The atmosphere within the Senate vividly illustrated the mounting pressures on the Meloni government. There were dissenting voices even within the coalition about the perceived lack of debate surrounding significant reforms. Notably, FdI’s relator, Liris, resigned as a protest against what he described as 'de facto unicameralism' being enforced by the government. Liris’s departure adds another layer to the complex political dynamics currently at play.
Despite the internal turmoil, the government maintains its stance on the necessity of the budget law, presenting it as prudent and beneficial for Italy's economic recovery. Economic Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti described the budget as rewarding, and he hinted at possible revisions of parliamentary rules to facilitate smoother legislative processes. This could be indicative of the government's willingness to adapt and refine its approach to governance.
Looking forward, the approval of the 2025 budget law not only marks the government’s achievements but also sets the stage for continued scrutiny and debate. The juxtaposition of supportive rhetoric from the government versus the despair within the opposition reveals the complex nature of Italy's current political climate. Whether Meloni can maintain this legislative momentum amid growing discomfort remains to be seen.
