Italy is a country rich in history, culture and landscape. It is a famous location of desire for many people around the world. But things are not developing for the best for Italian citizens. The annual report of the Italian Statistical Office (ISTAT) published its latest findings in May 2024:

“In terms of poverty, the report states that absolute poverty has increased. 9.8 per cent of the Italian population is affected by poverty, three percentage points more than in 2014, and the gap between the wealthiest and poorest families has widened.”

Italy is one of the largest UBI4ALL communities. We have more than 20,000 followers from the boot-shaped country! And we are constantly getting sad reports from Italians telling us about their precarious situation. One lady wrote to us:

“I'm always hoping. I'm having serious difficulties paying rent and bills. I have a four-year-old dog, and I can't find assistance to help me with food and vet visits. I'm behind on rent and I've even got cancer, as well as major psychiatric and physical illnesses. I'd like to die, but it makes me suffer to think of Ares, my dog.”

Another person lost his job at the age of 59 and has no income whatsoever—although he has contributed to the National Social Security Institute (INPS) for nearly 30 years. Soon after the public inauguration, the administration of Giorgia Meloni (right-wing party Fratelli d’Italia) stopped all social security payments to single persons, regardless of their personal situation. Before this, every citizen was entitled to small payments of €300–400 (Reddito di Cittadinanza)—which did not even cover rent and basic needs, but still, it was more than nothing. Now only families can receive support. This will increase the poverty risk for more than 600,000 Italians already affected.

From 2019 until the beginning of 2024, Italians could apply for Reddito di Cittadinanza, a social welfare assistance program that was a guaranteed minimum income. The Five Star Movement (Movimento Cinque Stelle), established by Beppe Grillo in 2009, promoted it as an Unconditional Basic Income—even though the minimum income threshold, among other criteria, did not make it so.

“The growing income gap between some people and the majority of Italians is a dangerous development,”—says Luca, our latest winner of our 8th raffle.

He experienced unemployment a few years before his retirement age.

“Unfortunately, people nowadays are not prepared to take to the streets to protest against the government, as they used to when I was a young man,”—he regrets.

He thinks that a UBI might be the solution to stop the widening income gap—but he is not really optimistic that a government will implement it soon.

“I am very happy to have won the UBI, and it will help me in my current situation while looking for a new home to rent,”—he stated.

As someone who loves the seaside, he is looking for a flat near the beach—but they are quite rare due to the tourist season in summer. So fingers crossed that Luca and his 12-year-old feline pal Arturo find their perfect home soon!

Luca feels strongly grateful and obliged to contribute to the movement of UBI activists—and we could not be happier about it! He wants to share with us the experiences he will have during his year with UBI, hoping that it sparks discussion about Basic Income. So from time to time, you will read more about Luca on our social media channels or even in the press. Maybe in this way, we can contribute to an Italian future with UBI—and without systemic poverty.

Happy UBI-year, Luca!

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