24-hour strike in Italy

Doctors and nurses in Italy held a 24-hour work stoppage to protest the cuts to healthcare services planned by the right-wing coalition government in the 2024 budget.

A group of doctors and nurses who stopped work for 24 hours held a rally at Santi Apostoli square in the capital, Rome.

At the rally, healthcare workers expressed their reaction to the planned cuts to pension rights and healthcare services.

According to unions, 85 percent of healthcare workers participated in the strike.

Dr. Filippo Anelli, President of the National Federation of Surgeons and Dentists of Italy (FNOMCEO), stated in his remarks regarding the strike: "There was broad support, which shows how strong the damage to professional dignity is and the desire to react to it. This is not just an economic issue. A doctor wants to do their job. For this, conditions must be provided that are calm, peaceful, free from the constant threat of legal action, and free from spending cuts."

Former Minister of Health and main opposition Democratic Party (PD) MP Roberto Speranza also criticized the recalculation mechanism, which is stated to lead to a reduction in doctors' pensions.

On the other hand, Minister for Relations with Parliament Luca Ciriani stated that the government would present other changes to the budget bill, including the amendment regarding doctors' pensions, by the end of this week.

News Source: AA