Italy Inflation Hits 4.1%, a Three-Year High, as Meloni Seeks EU Budget Leeway
Italy's statistics agency ISTAT reported that EU-harmonised consumer prices rose 4.1% year on year in September, up from 3.2% in August, the highest in three years and above a 3.8% forecast. The domestic index rose 4.2%, driven mainly by surging energy prices amid turmoil in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she would write to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen seeking additional flexibility under EU budget rules to reflect the inflation shock. Energy regulator ARERA also announced a sharp fourth-quarter rise in regulated electricity prices, adding to household bill pressure.
The government says it will spend about 14 billion euros over two years, using the EU national escape clause, to lower energy costs for firms. Italy's 2026 deficit is estimated at 2.9% of GDP, below the EU's 3% ceiling for the first time since 2019, before rising again from 2027.
The inflation jump comes as Meloni prepares her final budget before a national election due next year, with the cost of living at the centre of Italian politics.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：Palazzo Chigi - esterno.jpg，作者：DellaGherardesca，授权：CC BY 4.0，来源：Wikimedia Commons
