According to the 2024 Report of Eurispes, some indicators of the economic situation of Italian families show a slight improvement compared to 2023, but over half of the population struggles to make ends meet (57.4%). Bills (33.1%), rent (45.5%), and mortgage payments (32.1%) are major concerns for many households. To balance their budgets, Italians rely on help from family members (32.1%) or resort to installment purchases (42.7%). Nearly three out of 10 Italians (28.3%) also forgo medical care, dental treatments, or check-ups. While 40.9% of citizens report that their personal and family economic situation has remained stable in the past 12 months, 35.4% have experienced a deterioration, and only 14.2% have seen an improvement. Savings are a luxury for just over a quarter of Italians (28.3%), with 36.8% dipping into their savings to get by. The majority of Italians (55.5%) believe that the country’s economic situation has worsened over the past year, with 18.6% seeing it as stable and only 10% noticing signs of improvement. Looking ahead, citizens are cautious, with 33.2% expecting the Italian economic situation to remain stable in the next twelve months, 31.6% anticipating a worsening, and 10.8% foreseeing a period of economic growth.
There is a growing trust in public and private institutions, with some receiving more than half of the endorsements. President Sergio Mattarella enjoys the highest approval rating (60.8%, +8.6% from 2023), while Parliament sees a slight increase in trust (from 30% in 2023 to 33.6% in 2024), although the majority are still disappointed (58%). Just over a third of Italians express confidence in the Government (36.2%), but the majority remain distrustful (55.4%). The Carabinieri receive the highest trust among law enforcement agencies (68.8%), and other institutions that gained trust in 2024 include the Catholic Church, schools, and the healthcare system. Only three institutions saw a decrease in trust compared to 2023: political parties (29.85% from 32.5%), trade unions (42.7% from 43.1%), and other religious denominations (34.5% from 38%).
The report also asked Italians about their views on the construction of the Strait of Messina Bridge and the reintroduction of the Citizenship Income: the majority of Italians said “no.” 60.4% of citizens oppose the construction of the large public infrastructure, 61.2% are against supporting the income, and 58.5% are against extending the Superbonus for construction. Additionally, 52.7% of the sample opposes the idea of setting a speed limit of 30 km/h within urban centers. It is evident that there is significant opposition among Italians to these proposed initiatives.
Overall, the economic situation in Italy remains challenging for many families, with a significant portion of the population struggling to make ends meet. Despite some improvements in certain economic indicators, a majority of Italians perceive a worsening economic landscape both at a personal and national level. Trust towards institutions varies, with some seeing increased approval while others experience a decline. The results of the survey reflect a mixed sentiment among Italians regarding future economic prospects, with many expressing caution. Opposition to certain infrastructure projects and social support programs also highlights varying opinions among the population.
