The Italian government has nominated the Minister for European Affairs Raffaele Fitto as the European Commissioner. Prime Minister Meloni announced this decision during a Cabinet meeting at Palazzo Chigi after a summit with other leaders of the majority coalition, including Deputy Prime Ministers Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani of Lega and Forza Italia, and Maurizio Lupi of Noi Moderati. Meloni described the choice as necessary and important for Italy in the coming years, highlighting Fitto’s extensive experience and successful track record in his current role as Minister for European Affairs and responsible for the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) in Italy. Fitto, aged 55 from Magli in the province of Lecce, has held various political positions, including Minister for Regions in Berlusconi’s governments, President of the Puglia Region, and ten years as a Member of the European Parliament.
Fitto’s name had been circulating as a potential candidate for the role of European Commissioner for months, and it was officially announced during the Cabinet meeting at Palazzo Chigi, which lasted just over an hour. Other topics discussed during the meeting included the allocation of over 178 million euros for emergency interventions following extreme weather events in six areas of Italy over the past year. The funds, proposed by the Minister for Civil Protection Nello Musumeci, are aimed at supporting the completion of emergency activities as outlined in the Civil Protection Code. The meeting also saw the Minister of Economy Giancarlo Giorgetti presenting new budget procedures, including the medium-term structural plan required by European governance, which must be submitted to the European Commission by September 20.
Immigration was another key issue addressed during the Cabinet meeting, with Prime Minister Meloni asserting a positive trend in decreasing migrant landings compared to previous years. Meloni announced forthcoming administrative and legislative interventions to address loopholes in immigration laws, particularly those related to exploiting regular immigration channels for irregular purposes. She also mentioned the operationalization of centers in Albania, established under an agreement with Italy and the EU, to process asylum requests on Albanian territory with Italian and European jurisdiction. Meloni emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing immigration challenges and implementing effective solutions in collaboration with international partners.
Prime Minister Meloni also emphasized the importance of maintaining the universal child benefit (assegno unico) in the upcoming budget, refuting speculations about its abolition. She pointed out the potential risks associated with proposed changes by European officials, such as removing residency requirements for benefit recipients, and urged unity and support in defending the benefit. Meloni expressed disappointment in the lack of opposition support on this issue and reiterated the government’s stance in safeguarding the child benefit and ensuring the financial stability of the state. She criticized unreasonable modifications that could negatively impact Italian families and the country’s fiscal balance, reaffirming the government’s commitment to upholding the benefit and seeking broader consensus on the matter.
Overall, the Cabinet meeting covered a range of crucial topics, including the nomination of Raffaele Fitto as European Commissioner, allocation of emergency funds for weather-related disasters, presentation of new budgetary procedures, and discussions on immigration policies and the child benefit. The government, led by Prime Minister Meloni, emphasized the importance of experienced leadership in European affairs, effective emergency response measures, and strategic budget planning in alignment with European guidelines. The ongoing efforts to address immigration challenges and protect social welfare programs reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and security of the Italian population amidst evolving economic and social dynamics.
