Healthcare Clash Rocks Italian Parliament: Schlein vs. Meloni Spar Over Cuts

Rome, May 15, 2025 – Tensions flared in the Italian Chamber of Deputies today during a heated exchange between Elly Schlein, leader of the Partito Democratico (PD), and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over the government's healthcare policies. Schlein accused Meloni's government of imposing a "tax" on Italians through substantial healthcare cuts, citing a reported 10% increase in costs. "È una vera e propria tassa Meloni," Schlein declared. Meloni responded by defending her government's record, emphasizing the elimination of the controversial "medici a gettone" system, a practice she characterized as "privatization of healthcare." She also challenged Schlein's party, asking, "Perché in quindici anni la sinistra non ha fatto una riforma della sanità?" The debate underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding healthcare reform in Italy and the deep divisions between the ruling coalition and the opposition.