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.
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Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
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George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and stop backing armed groups, as part of new efforts to end conflict in eastern Congo.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
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