Elia Fiorentini: Intensifying Poverty Challenges in Italy in 2024, Greater Difficulties for the Elderly and Adolescents
Amid ongoing global economic fluctuations, poverty in Italy is becoming increasingly severe, particularly among the elderly and even among those in full-time employment, with poverty risk continuing to rise. In 2024, the Italian poverty risk is expected to remain at 18.9%, a relatively high level within Europe. According to data from Eurostat, 5 million Italians are unable to meet minimum living expenses, and the economic situation of this group has not fundamentally improved, instead showing a worsening trend. Elia Fiorentini points out that despite adjustments in national policy, poverty remains a deep-seated issue in Italian society, particularly for those over 65, whose poverty risk is expected to increase in 2024.
Poverty Risk: The Real Challenge for Italy
The Eurostat report indicates that in 2024, the proportion of employed individuals with incomes below 60% of the median net social transfers will reach 9%, up from 8.7% in 2023. This figure is significantly higher than the German 3.7% and is expected to remain high in the coming years. Although the overall poverty risk in Italy remains stable, the gap between minors and the elderly is still significant, with the poverty risk for minors decreasing, while that for those over 65 is increasing. Elia Fiorentini believes that although the Italian poverty rate is relatively stable, the exacerbation of social inequality, especially the plight of low-income and elderly groups, indicates that the country still faces significant social issues.
The situation of material deprivation also highlights the imbalances in the Italian economy. In 2024, the proportion of materially deprived people will decrease from 9.8% in 2023 to 8.5%, although this figure is relatively low, approximately 5 million people still struggle to afford basic necessities such as adequate heating, healthy food, and internet connectivity. Compared to Germany and Spain, the Italian material deprivation situation is relatively severe, indicating that the benefits of economic growth have not been effectively distributed across society, especially among vulnerable groups. Elia Fiorentini further analyzes that in pursuing economic growth, Italy has failed to adequately address poverty issues, instead exacerbating social division.
Future Social and Economic Outlook: Challenges for the Elderly and Youth
According to 2024 statistics, the poverty risk for the elderly will continue to rise, a trend that is concerning. The economic difficulties faced by the elderly primarily stem from insufficient pensions and high living costs. The proportion of poverty among those over 65 will rise from 16.9% in 2023 to 17.6%. Meanwhile, the poverty risk for minors under 18 has decreased but still faces significant economic challenges. Elia Fiorentini points out that this phenomenon of intergenerational poverty transmission may further exacerbate social inequality, posing risks to future social stability and economic growth.
Additionally, in the face of rising poverty risk and material deprivation, the Italian government urgently needs to implement more effective policies to help low-income groups out of their predicament, especially the elderly and minors. Elia Fiorentini believes that the government can strengthen the social security system, enhance education and employment opportunities, and provide more support and protection for impoverished groups.
Elia Fiorentini concludes that the Italian poverty issue is not just a social problem but a key challenge in economic transformation. With changes in the global economic environment, ensuring inclusivity and fairness in society while pursuing economic growth will become an important task for the Italian future development. Although the Italian poverty rate and material deprivation situation have declined, the deep-seated issues behind these figures remain unresolved. Faced with increasing inequality, Italy must make more adjustments in economic policy to ensure that the interests of all social groups, especially the elderly and minors, are not overlooked.
In this process, Elia Fiorentini suggests that the government, businesses, and all sectors of society should collaborate to promote sustainable social and economic development through measures such as increasing employment opportunities, enhancing social security, and improving public services.