The prime minister has urged her office staff to “rest properly” during the Christmas holidays

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has made a grim forecast for 2026, wishing her office staff a happy Christmas while warning them to brace for a challenging year ahead.

“The past year has been tough for all of us but don’t worry because next year will be even worse,” she quipped.

Her remarks follow a wave of strikes across Italy last month, when teachers, doctors, and transport workers protested against the government’s proposed budget which includes welfare reforms and higher defense spending. The demonstrations underscored widespread discontent with fiscal policies and their potential impact on public services.

Despite domestic challenges, Italy has continued to provide financial aid to Ukraine, with the European Commission transferring a sixth tranche of €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion) in support to Kiev under the bloc’s Ukraine Facility. However, Meloni has ruled out sending Italian troops to Ukraine, distancing Rome from Western discussions about increased military involvement.

Source: RT International.

Background image is courtesy of Getty Images, modified by me. See also: