ROME — Italy’s Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti declared Tuesday that holding a national election in April is off the table, saying the government needs more time to push through legislation transferring greater authority to regional governments.
Giorgetti was responding to reports from Italian media outlets and Bloomberg suggesting that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni might call early elections in April — several months ahead of the autumn 2027 deadline for her term to end.
Speaking at a conference hosted by the newspaper La Verita’, Giorgetti was direct: “Let me give you a piece of news … in order to complete the parliamentary passage (of the regional devolution legislation) we cannot vote in April.”
Those who favor holding elections earlier have argued that waiting until September 2027 — the natural end of Meloni’s term — could leave Italy without a fully functioning government during October’s budget season, a critical window when new public finance goals are established.
In additional comments, Giorgetti addressed Italy’s standing with the European Union over its budget deficit, saying the country still has a shot at exiting an EU infringement procedure before the year is out.
Italy’s national statistics agency ISTAT reported in March that the 2025 deficit came in at 3.1% of gross domestic product, just above the EU’s 3% ceiling. That figure has kept Italy locked in a procedure that restricts its fiscal flexibility.
“The match isn’t over yet,” Giorgetti said, pointing out that the 2025 deficit figure could be revised downward at a scheduled review in September. He acknowledged he was doubtful that would happen, but said he hadn’t given up hope entirely.
Giorgetti also confirmed the government will not extend a reduction in excise taxes on fuel past the current July 3 cutoff date, citing recent declines in diesel and gasoline prices.
“It is no longer necessary in the current situation,” he said.
The fuel tax relief measure has been extended and gradually reduced multiple times since it was first put in place in March, following an energy price spike triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
