Meloni’s test: Italy’s street violence and Europe’s crisis of power - opinion

An opinion piece by Anat Hochberg-Marom argues that Italy's spreading street violence, labor strikes, and blockades are escalating into a national crisis that threatens European stability, NATO cohesion, and Italy's economy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has responded by deploying soldiers and enacting emergency decrees. The article links the unrest to the Middle East war and warns of risks to Italy's EU and NATO commitments, and to bilateral ties with Israel.

An opinion piece by Anat Hochberg-Marom argues that Italy's spreading street violence, labor strikes, and blockades are escalating into a national crisis that threatens European stability, NATO cohesion, and Italy's economy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has responded by deploying hundreds of soldiers, enacting emergency decrees, and imposing harsher criminal penalties. The article links the unrest to the Middle East war, rising fuel and energy prices, and anti-Western radicalism. It warns that internal turmoil could deepen political polarization, damage trade and tourism, and rattle financial markets, potentially transforming a national crisis into a systemic shock for the eurozone. The piece also highlights risks to Italy's ability to meet its commitments to Ukraine and NATO, and to its bilateral ties with Israel, citing a Pew survey showing 75% of Italians hold a negative view of Israel. The author frames the situation as an existential crossroads for Europe.

Meloni’s test: Italy’s street violence and Europe’s crisis of power - opinion