Meloni's Government Faces Criticism Over EU Fiscal Pact and RAI Interference

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government has come under fire for allegedly betraying the EU fiscal pact, being incoherent and unreliable, and distancing Italy from Europe. The controversy surrounding Meloni's government extends beyond fiscal policy, with accusations of interference in the public broadcaster RAI also raising concerns.

RAI has been accused of appointing figures ideologically close to Meloni's government, leading to claims that it is being transformed into a "government mouthpiece." The cancellation of a monologue by writer Antonio Scurati, who accused Meloni's party of trying to rewrite the history of fascism in Italy, further fueled the controversy. Meloni denied censorship and posted the monologue on Facebook, but concerns about RAI's independence persist.

Several senior RAI editors have been criticized for aligning themselves with Meloni's party, and the European Federation of Journalists has raised concerns about changes in rules on political balance, allowing more air time for ministers discussing government business on RAI ahead of the European Parliament elections.

Why this matters: The accusations against Meloni's government have broader implications for Italy's relationship with the European Union and its democratic institutions. The alleged interference in RAI raises questions about media freedom and political influence, while the fiscal policy concerns could strain Italy's ties with the EU.

On the economic front, Italy's economy minister, Giancarlo Giorgetti, emphasized the need for strict control of public spending as the EU prepares to restore tough fiscal rules in 2023. Italy's high public debt, the second-highest in the eurozone after Greece, poses a significant challenge for the government. The economic outlook for Italy is darkening, with the Bank of Italy reporting a contraction in GDP in the third quarter of 2022.

Despite the challenges, Meloni has largely continued the economic policies of her predecessor, Mario Draghi, which has led to Italy becoming Europe's growth engine. The Italian economy has grown by 3.8% since 2019, outpacing France and Germany. However, this growth is primarily driven by new debt, with Italy's overall debt-to-GDP ratio expected to exceed 140% this year.

Meloni's government has also faced criticism for its approach to migration, with agreements with Tunisia seen as lacking a convincing plan and sufficient support measures. Experts argue that investment in Tunisia will not result in the short-term effects Italy is seeking and that there is a contradiction in investing in a country to prevent its residents from leaving.

As Meloni navigates the challenges of leading Italy's right-wing government, the accusations of betraying the EU fiscal pact and interfering with RAI have put her under increased scrutiny. "The sustainability of Italy's high public debt, the second-highest in the eurozone after Greece, is the main challenge facing the country," Giorgetti acknowledged. The government's ability to address these issues while maintaining positive relationships with the EU and upholding democratic principles will be crucial in the coming months.

Key Takeaways

• Meloni's right-wing govt accused of betraying EU fiscal pact, interfering with RAI
• Concerns over media freedom, political influence, and Italy's ties with EU
• Italy's high public debt poses significant challenge, economy contracted in Q3 2022
• Meloni continues Draghi's economic policies, but growth driven by new debt
• Govt's approach to migration, investment in Tunisia criticized as lacking convincing plan