Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered a darkly humorous forecast for Italy and the world during a New Year's toast with staff at her office, reflecting growing concern across Europe and in Italy in particular over the challenges ahead.
Speaking to her close team during the gathering at the courtyard of Palazzo Chigi, Meloni warned that the coming year would be even more difficult and demanding than the one drawing to a close.
Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni:
2025 has been tough for all of us, but don't worry—next year will be much worse. pic.twitter.com/Ny02xku6Kt
— Clash Report (@clashreport) December 23, 2025
"I love you. We are a family. We fight all year long," Meloni told her staff.
"The past year was hard for all of us, but don't worry, because the next year will be even worse," she joked. "That's why I advise you to rest properly over these holidays, because we must continue to serve this extraordinary nation."
Meloni's government, which has been in power for three years, is grappling with a slowing economy, rising illegal immigration and concerns over the possibility of a broader war between European countries and Russia as an extension of the conflict in Ukraine.
Over the past year, Meloni has positioned herself as maintaining close ties with US President Donald Trump, while at the same time remaining committed to the European Union's independent line in dealing with Washington.
