In March 2021, the Italian government's effort to protect its citizens from the COVID-19 pandemic brought the country's debt-to-GDP ratio to 159.4% — an all-time high and dwarfed in the eurozone only by Greece.
Matteo Salvini, Lega leader and Meloni's main ally, declared after the election that the energy crisis would be"the first test for the new government." As a result, Italy's spending needs are high and steeply rising. Just maintaining existing programs to reduce energy prices will cost around €14 billion next year, according to leading business newspaper. Add in raising salaries and pensions as well as other commitments, and additional cost to the state rises to almost €40 billion in 2023, the paper reported.
As Italy's tourism boom this summer fizzles out, money from the EU is essential for the post-pandemic economic recovery