Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has issued a dire warning to government staff — predicting that 2026 “will be much worse” than 2025.
The straight-talking conservative populist, 48, made the not-so-festive forecast on Tuesday during her traditional Christmas greeting exchange to staff at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
“The end of 2025 has been difficult for all of us. Don’t worry, because next year will be much worse,” Meloni said, as reported by Italian outlet Ansa.
“So rest properly during these holidays, because we must continue to give answers to this extraordinary nation,” she continued.
Speaking from the Government Palace in Rome, Meloni described 2025 as a year defined by constant struggle — framing her administration as a “family” that had been fighting on multiple fronts.
The speech is part of an annual tradition in which Italy’s leader usually delivers a message of hope to the nation.
For example, last year, Meloni wished a “merry Christmas,” to those who “can’t be with their families” during the holidays, including essential service workers such as the armed forces, police, doctors and nurses.
Her comments came as Italy’s government prepares to debate extending arms sales to Ukraine at the final Cabinet meeting of the year.
The Northern League, a right-wing junior partner in Italy’s ruling coalition, is trying to impose restrictions on further weapons sales.
Her speech also appeared to mark a drastic change from Meloni’s more optimistic rhetoric over the past two years, during which time she has positioned herself as a pragmatic bridge between the US and the European Union.
But with Italy entering 2026 with one of the highest levels of public debt in the Eurozone, around 137% of GDP, along with high interest rates and a government divided over ongoing support to Ukraine, Meloni’s remarks were far more somber.
