Elly Schlein attacks Italian government over health waits, precarity at regional rally

Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein spoke at the Festa regionale dell'Unità in Sant'Ilario d'Enza, Reggio Emilia, accusing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government of using an electoral law reform to distract from pressing social issues. She highlighted the country's soaring precarious employment, soaring rents, and a housing plan that falls short of needs, noting that the government announced a €10 billion “Piano Casa” but most Italians still struggle to afford rent or mortgages.

Schlein warned that waiting times for medical procedures such as gastroscopy or mammography can reach up to 1.5 years, and that a million‑and‑half Italians have abandoned care because of these delays. She contrasted Italy's 2.2 % growth with Spain's 9.2 % and pointed to Spain’s higher minimum wage and agreement to cut temporary contracts as a model for improving workers' conditions.

Her remarks underscored the PD’s focus on concrete needs—work, health, housing, and security—amidst criticism that the right‑wing coalition is shifting public discourse away from everyday hardships.