Italian Government Faces Criticism Over Economic Response to Tariffs
Opposition parties demand action as Italy's economy struggles amid global trade tensions.
The Italian Democratic Party (PD) has intensified its criticism of the government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni regarding economic measures in the wake of recent tariffs imposed by the United States.
Elly Schlein, the Secretary of the PD, specifically condemned the government's lack of proactive response, claiming that the Italian economy is suffering severe blows due to decisions made by President Donald Trump.
Schlein pointed to a notable drop in the Milan stock exchange and its implications for the broader economic landscape.
Schlein stated, "While Giorgia Meloni hopes that the issues will resolve themselves, the Italian economy is taking lethal hits due to her friend Trump's decisions.
Other European governments, including that of Spain under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, are implementing strong measures to protect businesses and workers, while Meloni is merely appealing for calm." She urged the government to adopt a more realistic approach, citing potential job losses in the tens of thousands.
The PD advocates for the Italian government to actively support European negotiations to suspend the application of tariffs and develop a plan to assist the sectors hardest hit by these economic strains.
Schlein emphasized the urgency of this matter, indicating that the ongoing uncertainty has resulted in significant damages, while criticizing Meloni for her cautious rhetoric concerning Trump.
Additional voices from the PD echoed Schlein's concerns.
Antonio Misiani, the party's economics chief, accused the right-wing government's protectionist policies of undermining both the global and Italian economies.
He criticized the government's failure to coordinate effectively with other European nations and called for a unified European demand for the suspension of tariffs and for the opening of negotiations with the U.S. Misiani insisted that the government quickly devise a support plan for the affected sectors using unspent resources from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
Highlighting contrasting responses, Misiani pointed out that Spain unveiled a €14 billion plan to protect its businesses and workers just 24 hours after the announcement of U.S. tariffs.
Conversely, he asserted, "In Italy, Giorgia Meloni rushed to television to downplay the impact of tariffs, claiming they are not the catastrophe we have been led to believe.
She should address the 60,000 Italian workers at risk of layoffs and those businesses anticipating a significant loss in exports, estimated at €5.7 billion."
Another party member, Marco Furfaro, remarked on the dramatic fall in stock markets, noting that the current situation is worse than during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He described the government as divided and silent, failing to recognize the gravity of the current economic crisis.
Piero De Luca accused the government of showing an unacceptable subservience to President Trump.
The situation continues to unfold as Italy grapples with the implications of international trade policy and the domestic economic response to protect its workforce and businesses.
Elly Schlein, the Secretary of the PD, specifically condemned the government's lack of proactive response, claiming that the Italian economy is suffering severe blows due to decisions made by President Donald Trump.
Schlein pointed to a notable drop in the Milan stock exchange and its implications for the broader economic landscape.
Schlein stated, "While Giorgia Meloni hopes that the issues will resolve themselves, the Italian economy is taking lethal hits due to her friend Trump's decisions.
Other European governments, including that of Spain under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, are implementing strong measures to protect businesses and workers, while Meloni is merely appealing for calm." She urged the government to adopt a more realistic approach, citing potential job losses in the tens of thousands.
The PD advocates for the Italian government to actively support European negotiations to suspend the application of tariffs and develop a plan to assist the sectors hardest hit by these economic strains.
Schlein emphasized the urgency of this matter, indicating that the ongoing uncertainty has resulted in significant damages, while criticizing Meloni for her cautious rhetoric concerning Trump.
Additional voices from the PD echoed Schlein's concerns.
Antonio Misiani, the party's economics chief, accused the right-wing government's protectionist policies of undermining both the global and Italian economies.
He criticized the government's failure to coordinate effectively with other European nations and called for a unified European demand for the suspension of tariffs and for the opening of negotiations with the U.S. Misiani insisted that the government quickly devise a support plan for the affected sectors using unspent resources from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).
Highlighting contrasting responses, Misiani pointed out that Spain unveiled a €14 billion plan to protect its businesses and workers just 24 hours after the announcement of U.S. tariffs.
Conversely, he asserted, "In Italy, Giorgia Meloni rushed to television to downplay the impact of tariffs, claiming they are not the catastrophe we have been led to believe.
She should address the 60,000 Italian workers at risk of layoffs and those businesses anticipating a significant loss in exports, estimated at €5.7 billion."
Another party member, Marco Furfaro, remarked on the dramatic fall in stock markets, noting that the current situation is worse than during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He described the government as divided and silent, failing to recognize the gravity of the current economic crisis.
Piero De Luca accused the government of showing an unacceptable subservience to President Trump.
The situation continues to unfold as Italy grapples with the implications of international trade policy and the domestic economic response to protect its workforce and businesses.
Translation:
Translated by AI
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