Italy: Meloni defends economic stability and agroalimentary quality

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti are emphasizing economic stability and the protection of national interests. Meloni has highlighted the resilience of the Italian economy, noting that data from the first half of the year could lead to a 1% growth rate in 2026. She also defended the government's ability to maintain sovereign ratings and manage energy costs despite international volatility.

To ensure fiscal discipline, Giorgetti is focused on maintaining public balances during the drafting of the next budget law, which is expected not to exceed 24 billion euros. This rigor aims to move Italy out of the European excessive deficit procedure. Meanwhile, political tensions have emerged regarding funding; Matteo Salvini of the Lega party has called for additional contributions from Italian banks to support social needs.

On the trade front, Meloni has taken a strong stance against ‘Italian sounding’ products, labeling them a ‘theft’ rather than mere competition. Speaking at the Risò international rice festival in Vercelli, she emphasized that Italy competes on quality rather than quantity. However, the government faces criticism from groups like Futuro Nazionale, which argues that the Mercosur trade agreement poses a significant threat to Italian rice producers through South American imports.