Italy is poised to reintroduce nuclear power into its energy mix, with Premier Giorgia Meloni announcing that the government will approve a framework for the return of nuclear energy this summer. This move comes decades after the country abandoned nuclear power following a referendum triggered by the Chernobyl disaster. The plan involves utilizing cutting-edge small reactors from the private sector to enhance Italy’s energy independence while reducing costs, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Iran.
In addressing the Senate during her Premier Time session, Meloni emphasized her willingness to collaborate with the opposition on key national issues, including employment, healthcare, birth rates, and electoral reforms. However, these overtures have been met with resistance from opposition parties. Highlighting her administration’s achievements, Meloni noted a decline in precarious jobs and an increase in stable employment, asserting that young Italians should be able to remain in the country without it being an act of courage, despite a concerning brain drain.
Meloni stressed the need for higher wages through enhanced collective bargaining and reported that a significant portion of the funds from the European Union’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) had been effectively utilized, claiming that 76% had been spent by the end of March. This, she argued, demonstrated her government’s competence in managing EU resources.
Further, Meloni found herself in a verbal clash with Matteo Renzi, leader of the centrist Italia Viva party and a former premier, over the government’s housing policies. Despite these tensions, Meloni maintained that her administration continues to prioritize economic incentives for businesses, wage growth, and addressing declining birth rates.
