Italy’s nuclear policy faces renewed debate as politicians clash over government direction

Former environment minister Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio warned that the government’s push for new nuclear plants ignores the 2011 referendum in which Italians overwhelmingly rejected nuclear power. He criticised the proposal as costly, slow to deliver, and lacking solutions for radioactive waste, noting that Italy still has no national nuclear‑waste repository. Scanio urged a new referendum and called for investment in energy efficiency, widespread solar installations and other renewable sources, proposing a “citizenship panel” to support households in adopting clean energy.

In a separate parliamentary exchange, M5S deputy Francesco Silvestri accused Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of “wearing knee‑pads” instead of standing up after a recent speech, sparking a heated response. Meloni retorted that she has risen to her position without favours and defended her record, while a senior FDI deputy called for an inquiry into the remarks. Both episodes highlight rising political tensions over the government's strategic choices.