Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni announced to parliament on Wednesday that the government will approve a framework for resuming nuclear power this summer. This decision marks a significant shift for Italy, a country that ceased its nuclear energy program following a referendum after the Chernobyl disaster four decades ago. The plan involves employing the latest-generation small reactors from the private sector to reintegrate nuclear power, aiming to enhance energy autonomy and reduce costs, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Iran.
Meloni also indicated that an enabling law would be approved to facilitate this transition, emphasizing the government’s commitment to making it a reality. The return to nuclear energy is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Italy’s energy independence amid global uncertainties.
During her address at Premier Time in the Senate, Meloni extended an olive branch to the opposition, expressing her willingness to collaborate on pressing national issues like employment, healthcare, the birth rate, and electoral reform. Despite her overture, the opposition has already dismissed this gesture. She reiterated her administration’s focus on priorities such as wages, business incentives, and the birth rate, noting improvements in job stability under her leadership.
Meloni highlighted the decrease in precarious employment and the rise in stable jobs, asserting that young Italians should be able to choose to remain in the country without it being an act of courage, amidst concerns over the brain drain. She stressed the need for wage increases through enhanced collective bargaining. Furthermore, she reported that by the end of March, 76% of the EU funds allocated for Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) had been utilized, underscoring the government’s effective use of these resources.
In a related development, Meloni engaged in a confrontation with Matteo Renzi, leader of the centrist Italia Viva party and former premier, over the government’s housing policy. This clash underscores ongoing political tensions as Meloni navigates crucial economic and social challenges facing Italy.