by InTrieste
The Italian government approved a decree that scales back welfare benefits for the poor and unemployed, as well as unveiling tax cuts for low-income earners and making it easier for businesses to hire workers on short-term contracts.
The measures were part of a package of labor market reforms announced by premier Giorgia Meloni following a cabinet meeting on International Workers’ Day last week.
The “reddito di cittadinanza” or citizen’s income scheme that the government is scaling back is a monthly allowance for families and individuals with low income, designed to help with basic expenses such as food, bills and rent.
The subsidy has long been in the sights of the right-wing coalition government led by Meloni, amid claims that the welfare programme is subject to abuse and discourages people from seeking employment, particularly for low-paying jobs.
Meloni said that from next year the subsidy will be divided into two separate benefits to distinguish between “those who can work and those who cannot”.
