Fratelli d’Italia met to review achievements and prepare for EU-mandated budgetary adjustments amid controversy surrounding culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.
Almost two years in office, the Fratelli d’Italia (FDI) party met on Wednesday for a key council to review the government’s progress and the agenda for the next few months, including the 2025 budget law.
The aim of the gathering was “to assess the work done so far” and “set the agenda for the coming months,” with the budget law being the main item on the table.
The procedure to approve the budget will begin soon, with the submission of a structural plan by 20 September. Approval is crucial as Italy is still under the European Union’s “excessive deficit procedure,” which requires the country to bring its deficit-to-GDP ratio below 3% by 2026.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the meeting was historic, telling party members “We are making history,” as they tackle Italy’s economic and political future.
Tax cuts, family support, and job growth
“Italy has one of the lowest inflation rates among G7 countries and the employment rate is at record highs, above the European average”, said FDI Senator Lucio Malan, summarising Meloni’s words at the closed-door meeting. “Italy is gaining more international recognition. We will continue on this path with a plan to implement policies that support businesses, families, and workers”.
Meloni’s government is under pressure to comply with the EU’s fiscal rules, which require deficit and debt reduction from 2025. The meeting was a key moment to define how Italy will face these challenges.
“The 2025 budget will be focused on tax cuts, Italian families and employment,” an FDI member said.
Culture minister controversy lingers
While the budget was the main item on the agenda, the meeting also touched on other hot political topics, including the ongoing controversy surrounding Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.
In her opening remarks, Meloni reportedly made a pointed statement, saying: “Breaks are not allowed and mistakes are not permitted,” which many interpreted as a veiled reference to the recent scandal involving the minister.
Sangiuliano has denied Maria Rosaria Boccia’s allegations concerning her appointment as his advisor and the use of public funds to pay her. But the scandal has raised questions about the government’s credibility. For now, Meloni has not asked for the minister’s resignation but has said further investigations are ongoing.
The Italian Prime Minister, who still has high approval ratings according to recent polls, wants to guide her government through the financial and political obstacles ahead.
“Italy’s international reputation has improved significantly and we will build on this by implementing policies that support businesses and families”, Lucio Malan said.
How Meloni’s administration handles these key issues, including the upcoming budget law and the unfolding political scandal, will be key factors in ensuring she completes the government’s five-year term.
