by InTrieste
Lawmakers in Friuli Venezia Giulia are debating a nearly €1.2 billion budget adjustment for 2025–2027, with welfare, declining birthrates, and healthcare emerging as the key priorities.
The regional government, led by a center-right majority, described the measure as forward-looking and family-focused. Regional Finance Councillor Barbara Zilli announced an upcoming amendment that will channel additional funds to municipalities and support public-private partnership initiatives. She also confirmed an increase in funding for the region’s tourism agency, PromoturismoFVG, to €65 million.
Opposition voices expressed concern over the region’s long-term outlook. Patto per l’Autonomia warned of a steady decline in the working-age population and criticized the absence of concrete policies for integration. Citing a Bank of Italy report, critics noted the region’s sluggish economic growth — just 0.5 to 1 percent expected in 2026 — and urged more ambitious planning.
While the League defended the budget’s economic trajectory, Serena Pellegrino of the Greens and Left Alliance called the adjustment “lacking in courage,” underscoring the political divide over how to address the region’s demographic and economic challenges.
