義大利國防預算創新高，民眾憂心社會資源遭排擠

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(Win McNamee/Getty Images)

2025年，義大利政府宣布將國防預算提高至約320億歐元，其中130億歐元將用於購買新武器，創下歷史新高。這項舉措旨在應對地緣政治挑戰，並努力達到北約2% GDP的國防支出目標。然而，這一決定在國內引發了廣泛的爭議和抗議。

義大利國防部長克羅塞托（Guido Crosetto）表示，增加國防預算是為了加強國家的防禦能力，防止未來可能的衝突。政府計劃購買25架F-35戰機、24架歐洲戰機，並投資於第六代戰機開發計劃（GCAP），與英國和日本合作。此外，還將購買新型海上巡邏機和訓練機，以提升海空軍的作戰能力。

然而，許多民眾對此表示不滿，認為增加軍費將導致社會福利和公共服務的資金被削減。3月15日，數千名抗議者在羅馬舉行示威，反對歐盟的軍備計劃和不斷上升的軍事開支。他們高呼「不為戰爭花一歐元」，呼籲政府將資源用於提高工資和改善醫療保健等民生領域。

民調顯示，義大利民眾對增加國防支出意見分歧。一項由Youtrend為Sky TG24進行的調查顯示，約54.6%的受訪者反對歐盟提出的8000億歐元軍備計劃。總理梅洛尼（Giorgia Meloni）對此表示謹慎，拒絕了歐盟提出的將國防開支排除在赤字限制之外的提議，擔心這將進一步增加國家的債務負擔。

儘管面臨國內外的壓力，義大利政府仍堅持增加國防預算，認為這對於應對當前的安全挑戰至關重要。然而，如何在加強國防與保障民生之間取得平衡，仍是政府需要面對的重要課題。

三個重要觀點：

1. 國防預算創歷史新高，引發民眾對社會資源被排擠的擔憂
   義大利政府將2025年國防預算提高至約320億歐元，其中130億歐元用於購買新武器。這一舉措引發了民眾對於社會福利和公共服務資金被削減的擔憂。

2. 大規模抗議活動反對軍事開支增加，呼籲將資源用於民生
   數千名抗議者在羅馬舉行示威，反對歐盟的軍備計劃和不斷上升的軍事開支，呼籲政府將資源用於提高工資和改善醫療保健等民生領域。

3. 政府在增加國防預算與控制國家債務之間尋求平衡
   總理梅洛尼對歐盟提出的將國防開支排除在赤字限制之外的提議表示謹慎，擔心這將進一步增加國家的債務負擔。政府在加強國防與控制國家債務之間尋求平衡。

Italy’s Defense Budget Hits Record High Amid Public Concerns Over Social Spending

In 2025, the Italian government announced an increase in its defense budget to approximately €32 billion, with €13 billion allocated for new weapons purchases, marking a historic high. This move aims to address geopolitical challenges and strive to meet NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending target. However, the decision has sparked widespread controversy and protests domestically.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that increasing the defense budget is to enhance the country’s defense capabilities and prevent potential future conflicts. The government plans to purchase 25 F-35 fighter jets, 24 Eurofighters, and invest in the sixth-generation fighter development program (GCAP) in collaboration with the UK and Japan. Additionally, new maritime patrol aircraft and trainer jets will be acquired to bolster naval and air force operational capabilities.

However, many citizens have expressed dissatisfaction, believing that increased military spending will lead to cuts in social welfare and public services. On March 15, thousands of protesters held demonstrations in Rome against the EU’s armament plans and rising military expenditures. They chanted “Not one euro for their war,” calling on the government to allocate resources to improve wages and healthcare.

Polls indicate that Italians are divided on increasing defense spending. A survey conducted by Youtrend for Sky TG24 shows that approximately 54.6% of respondents oppose the EU’s proposed €800 billion armament plan. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed caution, rejecting the EU’s proposal to exclude defense spending from deficit limits, fearing it would further increase the national debt burden.

Despite domestic and international pressures, the Italian government remains committed to increasing the defense budget, viewing it as crucial to addressing current security challenges. However, balancing defense enhancement with safeguarding public welfare remains a significant challenge for the government.

1. Italy’s government increased its 2025 defense budget to approximately €32 billion, with €13 billion allocated for new weapons purchases. This move has raised public concerns about potential cuts to social welfare and public services.

2. Thousands of protesters in Rome demonstrated against the EU’s armament plans and rising military expenditures, urging the government to allocate resources to improve wages and healthcare.

3. Prime Minister Meloni expressed caution regarding the EU’s proposal to exclude defense spending from deficit limits, fearing it could further increase national debt. The government seeks a balance between strengthening defense and controlling national debt.