Meloni at the Confcommercio assembly: "Italy is not a banana republic," focusing on businesses, taxes, and Made in Italy.

Giorgia Meloni addressed the Confcommercio General Assembly, held at the Auditorium della Conciliazione in Rome, with a wide-ranging speech focusing on the role of commerce, business, labor, and the economic challenges of the coming years. Addressing an audience of members of the association led by Carlo Sangalli, the Prime Minister called Confcommercio "one of the pillars of the Italian system" and "one of the most distinctive and dynamic drivers of our nation's economy," emphasizing the value of intermediary bodies and the need for stable collaboration between institutions, businesses, and social partners.

The value of raised shutters in Italian cities

One of the most significant passages of the speech focused on the social function of shops and businesses. For Meloni, "every raised shutter is a light, a point of reference, a certainty," but also a tangible sign of energy, know-how, and presence in the local area. The Prime Minister emphasized that local retail is not just an economic sector, but also a safeguard of safety, sociality, and community: a dimension that, she noted, "no online platform can ever replace."

The “sense of Italy” and the identity of Italian products

In her speech, Meloni also emphasized the expression "sense of Italy," which had been invoked during the assembly, explaining that she wanted to embrace it because it captures the essence of the success of Italian products. According to the Prime Minister, what is produced in Italy embodies an identity, a lifestyle, a charm, and an intangible heritage that cannot be replicated elsewhere, imported at low cost, or outsourced. Made in Italy, in this interpretation, is not just about manufacturing quality, but a combination of history, culture, recognizability, and trust.

The crackdown on "open and close" businesses

Ample space was given to the issue of tax compliance and unfair competition. Meloni championed the measures adopted by the government to combat the phenomenon of so-called "open-and-close" businesses, businesses that, according to the prime minister, evade taxes by opening, closing, and quickly reopening under other names. The prime minister stated that 24 of these businesses have been officially closed so far, calling the result significant not only for the state, but especially for honest entrepreneurs who pay their taxes and do not deserve to suffer from unfair competition.

The message on the rules: "There is no market without legality."

In the most forceful passage of her speech, Meloni declared that "Italy is not a banana republic" and that "the rules are respected here." The prime minister linked respect for the law to the very stability of the market, arguing that healthy businesses, growth, and development cannot exist without a universally respected regulatory framework. The message addressed to the Confcommercio audience was that of a government committed to protecting those who operate fairly, preventing unfair competition from penalizing the regular economic fabric.

Tax cuts and the middle class

The Prime Minister then addressed the issue of taxation, reiterating that tax cuts remain a government priority. Meloni recalled the measures already implemented on labor costs and purchasing power, explaining that the goal is to continue, especially to benefit the middle class. "Others talk about taxing wealth, but we are working to ensure that Italians can aspire to wealth after decades of sacrifice," she said, distancing herself from the wealth tax proposals that have returned to the political debate and reiterating the government's stance against new taxes on wealth.

Jobs, wages and economic results claimed by the government

Recounting the government's actions, Meloni emphasized the macroeconomic picture, citing record employment, exports holding up despite trade tensions, and growing foreign investment. The prime minister rejected the more pessimistic interpretations of the country, calling it intellectually dishonest both to claim that all problems have been solved and to downplay the positive signs reflected in the data. In her speech, she also addressed the Labor Decree, the issue of "fair wages," and the need to strengthen an economic model capable of supporting businesses and workers.

Fuels, road transport and ecological transition

Another chapter of the speech was dedicated to the ecological transition and energy costs. Meloni advocated a "pragmatic, non-ideological" approach, citing the government's work in Europe on issues such as the ETS system and the maritime ETS, which she deemed potentially detrimental to heavy transport, Italian ports, and the motorways of the sea. The prime minister also highlighted support for the purchase of fuel for road haulage, both routinely and in response to price increases linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, arguing that there is no need to be afraid "to do what is right" when inflation, citizens, and strategic sectors are at stake.

Young people and low birth rates as economic emergencies

Meloni identified the younger generations and the demographic crisis as two of the main emergencies for the country's future. The Prime Minister spoke of the need to offer greater opportunities to Italy's best talents and, at the same time, reverse the declining birth rate, which she defined not only as an identity or cultural issue, but also as an economic problem and a problem affecting the welfare state. Without a reversal of demographic trends, she warned, welfare and the social protection system risk coming under increasing pressure.

Working mothers, family and career

In the section dedicated to women's work, the Prime Minister affirmed the government's measures on parental leave, daycare, and social security contributions for working mothers. According to Meloni, the message to convey is that children should not be considered an obstacle to personal and professional development. "True freedom," she emphasized, lies in not being forced to choose between having a child and building the career she desires. For the Prime Minister, the problem is also cultural, as for too long, children and family have been portrayed as limitations for women.

Artificial intelligence and the labor market

A key point in the speech concerned artificial intelligence, which Meloni identified as one of the most complex issues of our time. The Prime Minister recognized its extraordinary potential, but warned of the risks of an "unpredictable" impact on the labor market. While technology had until now primarily replaced physical labor, today the risk also extends to intellectual labor, with the possibility of a world in which more and more people are deemed unnecessary and where wealth is further concentrated. For this reason, she explained, AI must be governed not only at the national level, but also globally and internationally.

Mattarella's message to Confcommercio

The assembly also received a message from the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, addressed to President Carlo Sangalli. The Head of State recalled the connection between the history of the Republic and that of the citizens who built it through the freedom of association guaranteed by the Constitution. Mattarella emphasized the role of social groups in the country's transformation and emphasized the need for genuine dialogue between institutions and society in an increasingly challenging international context, which calls for courageous and not always easy decisions.

The call for social cohesion and work

In his message, Mattarella emphasized that Italy's productive and entrepreneurial fabric faces complexities that require a development model consistent with social and environmental sustainability criteria. The President of the Republic emphasized the responsibility of the social partners, who are called upon to contribute to regulating the labor market through contractual dialogue. The objective outlined by the Head of State is to strengthen social cohesion and eliminate distortions and practices that could result in a decline in worker protection standards.

The institutions present at the assembly

Numerous institutional representatives also attended the Roman meeting. Those present included Senate President Ignazio La Russa and several members of the government, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara, Minister for Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, Tourism Minister Gianmarco Mazzi, Undersecretary for Southern Italy Luigi Sbarra, and Undersecretary for Publishing Alberto Barachini. The government's presence confirmed the assembly's political weight and the recognized role of Confcommercio in the debate on the country's key economic decisions.

The call to action

Meloni concluded her speech with a clear call for responsibility and concreteness: "This is not the time for doubt, uncertainty, and waiting. This is the time for action, and the good news is that the time for action is also Italy's time." This message was addressed to the world of commerce and business, but also to the country as a whole, which, according to the Prime Minister, must address economic, technological, and social transformations without sacrificing its productive identity, legality, and capacity for community.