Tuscany faces deepening economic hardship as unemployment rises and pensioners struggle

In Siena province, economic activity remains below pre‑pandemic levels. Real GDP growth in 2025 was only 0.3%, lagging the national average of 0.5% and still lower than 2019. Export performance has fallen and the industrial sector saw a 1.1% drop in added value, with employment falling from more than 20,000 jobs in 2008 to under 18,000 in 2025. Short‑time work (cassa integrazione) surged, rising 322% compared with 2023 and an extraordinary increase of 1,861%, placing Siena second in Italy after L’Aquila, with 95% of authorised hours in industry.

A separate survey of pensioners in the Pistoia‑Prato area shows a stark decline in living standards. Over 82% say their situation is worse than three years ago. Rising costs are pervasive: 92% report higher utility bills, 85% higher food prices and 45% higher health expenses. Consequently, 68% have cut spending, and 51% have postponed or foregone medical care. The public health system is under strain, with 88% citing long waiting lists, half experiencing booking difficulties and more than half turning to private providers. Access to social‑care services is also problematic: 62% lack information, 51% face bureaucratic hurdles, 85% deem nursing‑home costs excessive, and 60% are unaware of entitlement to bonuses.