Some 4.5 million Italians were in
"absolute poverty" in 2015, national statistics agency ISTAT
said Friday.
This figure was relatively steady compared to 2014, ISTAT
said.
Additionally, the statistics office said, some 8.3 million
Italians were in conditions of "relative poverty".
The government has just passed a supplementary budget package
that aims to lift families out of poverty, also via a so-called
'inclusion wage' benefit.
The government's 'inclusion wage' benefit for the poor is
the "first step" against poverty in Italy, Premier Paolo
Gentiloni said in signing a memorandum of understanding on the
new measure Friday.
"Today is a first result, and it is the first time that Italy
passes a universal instrument," he said.
Gentiloni said the recent economic crisis had left 1.5
million poor families in Italy.
The 'inclusion wage' will be given to some two million
people, Gentiloni said, adding that it was "a commitment for
dignity and freedom from want".
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