Premier Giorgia Meloni urged her coalition partners to unite after two significant splits within her government on Wednesday.
The first split was over a proposal to cut the Rai state broadcaster’s license fee and later an amendment regarding healthcare in Calabria.
Dispute Over Rai License Fee
The initial disagreement arose when the Senate Budget Committee rejected a right-wing League party amendment to reduce the Rai license fee from €90 to €70. The vote ended with 12 against and 10 in favour. Notably, the centre-right Forza Italia (FI), a coalition partner, sided with the opposition, which had been urging the League to withdraw the proposal.
Prime Minister Meloni urged her coalition partners to unite, stating, “The majority’s stumble on the issue of cutting the Rai fee does not benefit anyone.” Palazzo Chigi sources reiterated the government’s priority to support families and businesses in the 2025 budget while maintaining credibility and seriousness.
Second Split on Healthcare in Calabria
Later Wednesday, the government fractured again over an amendment concerning healthcare in Calabria. The proposal, put forward by FI senator and Lazio soccer club president Claudio Lotito, sought reforms for the southern region’s struggling healthcare system.
In the Senate Budget Committee, the League abstained while FI and Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FdI) voted in favour. However, the amendment failed due to insufficient votes. The government had deferred decision-making to the committee, leaving the split unresolved.
Opposition Criticism
The dual splits provided ammunition for opposition leaders. Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), declared, “The majority is in pieces.”
Meanwhile, Giuseppe Conte, leader of the 5-Star Movement (M5S) and a former two-time premier, said, “Meloni must clarify if a majority still exists.”
Broader Implications
The back-to-back disagreements highlight growing tensions within Meloni’s coalition, as partners struggle to balance regional demands, populist proposals, and national fiscal priorities.
The Rai license fee reduction was framed by the League as a cost-saving measure for households, but its rejection exposed deep fractures. Meanwhile, the failed Calabria healthcare amendment underscores the challenges of addressing regional disparities without risking unity within the governing bloc.
These disputes come at a critical time as Meloni’s government navigates budget negotiations, with internal divisions potentially undermining broader policy objectives. Despite the challenges, Meloni continues to emphasise the importance of cohesion, aiming to realign her coalition’s focus on supporting families and businesses in the upcoming fiscal year.
