The uncertain future of the Italian welfare state

The Italian model of welfare is characterised by numerous imbalances, including an uneven distribution of protection and costs, and a chronic deficit between contributions and outlays. There is also a widespread abuse of the rules governing contributions and benefits and a persisting inefficiency in public services. The failure to resolve this crisis has contributed to the erosion of Italy's social and political consensus, producing a 'tax-welfare' backlash and a new territorial cleavage in welfare politics.