Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini has sparked controversy by proposing a bill for Italy to exit WHO. Salvini presented the proposal in the Chamber of Deputies, citing the need to redirect public funds from the WHO to support Italy’s healthcare system.
The proposal follows US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organisation WHO. The US departure, announced this week, has drawn global criticism and prompted concerns over the organisation’s funding. The WHO has already frozen hiring, anticipating a significant budget shortfall. The United States previously contributed 15% of the WHO’s budget, which is set at $6.83 billion for 2024-2025.
Italy’s contributions to the WHO total €66 million for 2024-2025, including €34 million in mandatory membership fees. Salvini argued these funds would be better spent addressing domestic needs, such as financing hospitals and employing more doctors. “Italy must not continue funding a supranational power centre aligned with pharmaceutical companies,” Salvini declared during his proposal.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has not commented on the bill, and it remains uncertain whether her government will support Salvini’s initiative. The European Commissioner for Health, Olivér Várhelyi, has also refrained from commenting on the potential implications of Italy’s withdrawal. Analysts note that Salvini’s proposal adds to the ongoing international debate about the effectiveness and transparency of multilateral organisations like the WHO.
What impact on Italy’s global standing?
The proposal’s potential impact on Italy’s global standing has raised concerns among experts. If Italy exit WHO, it could undermine international cooperation on public health issues, particularly as countries face shared challenges such as pandemics and disease outbreaks. Former EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides previously expressed concern over the United States’ withdrawal, urging a reconsideration of its decision and highlighting the global health implications.
Salvini’s proposal is expected to be debated in the coming weeks. However, its success in Parliament remains uncertain, as political alliances and government priorities will play a key role in determining its fate.
