Italy's right-wing release 15-point political program

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Right-wing parties in Italy release a 15-point program entitled "For Italy" as the elections, set in September, get closer. The released plan includes promises for low taxes, the "defense of the homeland," EU reform, as well as support for NATO and Ukraine.    

For Italy, according to a joint statement by party leaders, is "centered on the national interest and the homeland, on economic growth and on the defense of families' purchasing power."

Opinion polls show that Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy has an advantage against the opposition and other parties with a likelihood to lead Europe's third-largest economy after election day on September 25. Meloni has entered a coalition that included ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi and Matteo Salvini who had openly called for anti-immigration laws to be put in place.    

The program pledged to respect Italy's commitments to the NATO alliance and to continue to assist Ukraine in its war against Russia. The program also pledged to back diplomatic efforts for peace in parallel with supporting Ukraine.

For Italy's first line reads "Italy, fully part of Europe, the Atlantic alliance and the West." The program further notes "full adherence to the European integration process", yet sought a "more political and less bureaucratic" bloc. In addition, the program called for a "review" of public spending and economic governance rules in the EU.

On the basis of "changed conditions, needs, and priorities," they also suggest revising the reform plan already agreed upon with the European Union in exchange for approximately 200 billion euros in post-pandemic money.

Italy's economy recovered from the effects of Covid-19 last year, but it now has to contend with skyrocketing inflation and a probable winter energy crisis related to the conflict in Ukraine.

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