In 17 years, welfare spending has increased by 170% #finsubito prestito immediato

Official data on tax returns provides a revealing snapshot of some lesser-known aspects of Italian society. One notable point is the distribution of income tax: a small segment of taxpayers (15%) contributes 63% of the total.

This group includes not only employees, as often claimed, but also those with incomes above 35,000 euros. Conversely, 40% of taxpayers, with incomes up to 17,000 euros, contribute just 1.28% of total IRPEF. These individuals rely almost entirely on the State for healthcare, welfare, and education. Adding to this group are taxpayers with incomes between 15,000 and 20,000 euros, who contribute an average of 1,524 euros in IRPEF, accounting for 5% of the total.

Another revealing aspect concerns the ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator), a tool designed to identify the poorest citizens and families eligible for subsidized or free services. However, this system appears to have become a “social dependency tool.” Data suggests that as social assistance spending increases, the number of individuals classified as “in need” also grows, alongside a rise in undeclared work, while economic growth and productivity stagnate.

The reddito di cittadinanza (citizen’s income) exemplified this dynamic, reinforcing a system in which welfare dependency expanded without addressing underlying structural issues. Over the past 17 years, welfare spending has grown by 170%, while GDP has risen by only 20%. This imbalance has had dire consequences for public debt, which has ballooned from 1,632 billion to 2,990 billion euros.

Other aspects of Italian society further highlight this paradox. In 2023, gambling expenditures reached 150 billion euros (excluding illegal gambling). Italians also lead Europe in homeownership, with high levels of first and second-home ownership, and in-car ownership. Italy ranks similarly high for smartphone usage, TV subscriptions, and pet ownership. Yet, the country is near the bottom in birth rates. In short, “chiagni e fotti” (cry and screw them over).

Traduzione di Carlo Ghirri