Italian government faces Taranto steel plant crisis alongside ongoing fuel and political disputes
Italy's government convenes over an asbestos-related court ruling threatening the ex-Ilva steel plant while continuing efforts to curb fuel prices and managing political feuds.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened an emergency meeting following a ruling by the Milan Court of Appeal requiring the ex-Ilva steel plant in Taranto to halt hot-area production within 90 days unless asbestos risks are eliminated. The Italian government allocated 100 million euros to help address the crisis.
At the same time, officials are finalizing measures to lower pump prices, proposing excise tax cuts of up to 24 cents per liter on diesel and six cents on gasoline, paired with social card benefits for low-income households.
Political friction also escalated as Meloni called on Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein to apologize for insinuations surrounding intimidation directed at journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, as debate continues over prospective center-right candidates for the Italian presidency.
Sources: Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero.
Sources
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