A significant meeting took place at Palazzo Chigi between the Italian government and major trade unions to discuss the new budget law.

The session, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, lasted over five hours and was marked by intense discussions.

Union leaders, including Maurizio Landini of CGIL and Pierpaolo Bombardieri of UIL, expressed strong criticism of the budget, highlighting issues such as salary concerns and the need for more public investment.

They brought symbolic items like a calculator and a book to emphasize their points.

Meloni defended the budget, stating it focuses on supporting low to middle-income earners, reducing taxes, and increasing healthcare funding.

The meeting underscored ongoing tensions, with unions demanding significant changes to address economic disparities and improve public services.