Some 4.742 million Italians in 1.619
million households were in absolute poverty in 2016, ISTAT said
Thursday, saying the figures were steady over 2015.
But the rate of absolute poverty rose from 18.3% to 26.8%
between 2015 and 2016 among households with three or more minor
children, affecting 137,7771 households and 814,402 individuals.
The rate also rose among minors, from 10.9% to 12.5% (1.292
million).
ISTAT said absolute poverty was double if the head of the
household was a factory worker, and that 8.465 million people
were in relative poverty.
The no.2 of the Italian Bishops Conference (CEI), Msgr Nunzio
Galantino, condemned the figures.
"I should like these huge figures to move consciences and
political agendas," said the CEI secretary-general, adding that
"there are enormous outcasts that cannot be left at the
margins".
Politicians, especially opposition ones, called on the
government to combat this "scourge".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
