
Prime Minister Meloni asserted that addressing low birth rates is an urgent priority for sustaining the welfare state. The government is committed to strengthening support for working mothers and promoting a better balance between child-rearing and career development. Specific measures already implemented include expanding parental leave, improving childcare infrastructure, and introducing reductions in social insurance premiums. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that financial incentives alone cannot provide a fundamental solution. True freedom, she argued, means women are not forced to choose between having children and pursuing a career; achieving this requires not only institutional reforms but also a broader societal shift in attitudes. This statement underscores the need to consider not just economic support, but also changes in work environments and societal values when tackling low birth rates. Future policy developments and changes in birth rate statistics warrant close attention.
