The Italian government has lifted fines imposed on those who refused mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, a move that follows criticism over the previous administration's pandemic response and the ongoing challenge of curbing the virus's spread in the country.
The Italian government has abolished fines for those who refused to get mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, a move announced in a statement late on Monday. These fines were initially introduced as a measure to boost vaccination rates amid the country's ongoing struggle to curb the pandemic.
Italy has been severely impacted by COVID-19 since the virus was first detected in early 2020, with the country recording over 190,000 deaths according to World Health Organization figures. During his time in office between 2021 and 2022, former Prime Minister Mario Draghi made vaccinations mandatory for teachers and health workers, and later extended the mandate to everyone over the age of 50.
Non-compliance with the mandate led to suspension from work without pay for public sector employees, and individuals aged over 50 faced fines of 100 euros ($105). However, the Italian cabinet's latest statement confirmed that these fines were now being scrapped, and that all obligations to pay had been abolished. There were discussions in the media about potential reimbursements for those who had paid, but this was not included in the statement.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office in late 2022 at the head of a right-wing coalition, had previously criticized her predecessors, Draghi and Giuseppe Conte, for what she saw as an overly ideological approach to handling COVID-19. She promised a different approach and had pledged to handle the pandemic with less strict measures.
The decision to remove the fines drew significant backlash from opposition parties. Riccardo Magi, a lawmaker from the small +Europa party, described it as a move that could be seen as tacit support for vaccine skeptics and deniers, stating, "Abolishing fines for those who refused vaccination is like giving a nod to anti-vaxxers."
This policy change reflects the Meloni government's broader shift in approach to the pandemic, focusing on less punitive measures as Italy continues to deal with the health and economic fallout from the crisis.
France, Italy, and Slovakia have urged the EU to simplify its carbon border levy rules this year, calling for reduced red tape and standardized emissions calculations to ease the burden on businesses.
Italy has failed to accelerate its use of EU COVID-19 recovery funds, with government data showing it has spent only about half of the money received so far.
Italy is conducting a study of its space and satellite communications market, with the possibility of issuing a call for tender later this year, signaling the country’s growing interest in expanding its role in the satellite communications sector.
Italy and Spain made it clear on Monday that they are not prepared to support an EU proposal to pledge up to 40 billion euros ($43.67 billion) in military aid for Ukraine this year on a proportional basis, according to officials and diplomats.
Italy will unveil an industrial strategy in June, linking its automotive, defence, and aerospace sectors amid Europe's focus on defence spending and satellite security.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
From Wednesday, European visitors to Britain will need to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving, as the UK implements new pre-entry screening measures to tighten border controls.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a cornerstone of American humanitarian outreach for over six decades, is being dismantled under the directive of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Ukraine is set to hold in-depth talks with a select group of foreign allies this Friday to discuss the formation of a military contingent that could serve as a security guarantee under a future ceasefire agreement.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
From Wednesday, European visitors to Britain will need to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving, as the UK implements new pre-entry screening measures to tighten border controls.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment