Schlein says 'breathless budget certifies PM inconsistency'

(ANSA) - ROME, DEC 28 - Centre-left opposition Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein on Saturday slammed the 2025 budget after it became law as allegedly certifying the inconsistency of Premier Giorgia Meloni.
    "The times when Giorgia Meloni stood up as a champion of parliamentary democracy are long gone, when in the Chamber she dispensed lessons on the differences between democracies and absolute monarchies right during the discussion of the budget law," said Schlein after the package passed through the Senate virtually unchanged due to an 'armour plating' by the government.
    "Just as the times when she promised to cut excise duties, taxes on extra profits, pensions of one thousand euros are long gone.
    "Because today, with this third budget law of the Meloni government, all its inconsistency is certified: not only is it a budget approved by votes of confidence that leaves no room for discussion in Parliament and humiliates its own majority, but it is also a package that increases minimum pensions by less than 2 euros per month but grants reimbursements to ministers of over 3 thousand euros per month.
    "That cuts public health but allocates other billions for the Messina Strait Bridge.
    "That cuts the automotive fund but increases spending on armaments, pardons fines for anti-vaxers and unpaid taxes by tax evaders, extends concessions for electricity distribution but does not deal with Italians' bills.
    "It is a budget that cashes in on the quality of life of Italians. A breathless budget, approved by silencing Parliament and unloading all the sacrifices on the shoulders of those who struggle the most". (ANSA).