Matteo Salvini Pushes Security, Pension Reform Amid Cost‑of‑Living Crisis in Italy

Deputy Prime Minister and Lega leader Matteo Salvini criticised the opposition’s immigration stance and warned that Italy’s cost‑of‑living pressures are driven largely by the wars in Ukraine and elsewhere. He said the government has cut fuel taxes and seeks more EU funding, but European bureaucracy is slowing investment.

Salvini highlighted new security measures, including stricter penalties for knife‑carrying youths, metal‑detector installations in schools, and greater responsibility for families to curb the spread of armed “baby gangs.” He also warned that Islamist terrorism remains a cultural threat and called for continued vigilance.

On pensions, Salvini announced a study of an early‑retirement scheme before age 67 to replace the Fornero law, aiming to improve the system’s sustainability. The interview also touched on his personal interests, such as following the Champions League final.