Italy’s Falling Birth Rate Raises Questions About Family Support and Public Spending - World news

An Italian commentary argues that low fertility is tied not to a lack of desire for children, but to obstacles such as limited childcare and unequal caregiving responsibilities. It contrasts Italy’s policies with those in other European countries and questions the balance between spending on families and military budgets.

Italy recorded 379,000 births in 2023, compared with 661,000 deaths, according to the figures cited in a commentary published on May 13. The piece describes a long-running demographic decline and argues that many people who want children are unable to turn that wish into reality because of economic and social constraints, particularly those affecting women.

The commentary cites a survey finding that eight in ten people in Italy want children, and a 2024 report by Save the Children that describes mothers as “equilibrists” trying to reconcile family life with work. Italy’s fertility rate is given as 1.2 children per woman, while the average age at motherhood is 31.6, compared with a European average of 29.7. The text also projects that by 2050 there will be one young person for every three older people.

It compares Italy’s family support with measures elsewhere in Europe. France, with a fertility rate of 1.8, is described as offering tax benefits, childcare, full-time schooling and part-time work for both parents. The commentary also points to paid leave and childcare support in Germany, longer and transferable parental leave in Finland, and different parental leave arrangements in Spain, Portugal, Norway, Sweden and Poland.

In Italy, the measures cited include five months of compulsory maternity leave at 80% of salary and ten days of fully paid leave for fathers. The 2024 budget also allows eligible employees to take two additional months of parental leave at 80% pay during a child’s first 12 years. From 2025, the second month’s rate is due to fall to 60%, according to the article. Other support includes a means-tested universal child allowance, a contribution exemption for working mothers with more than three children, and a nursery bonus.

The article argues that these measures are limited and difficult to navigate, and notes that childcare places cover 28% of children aged zero to three. It says public spending on families amounts to 1.4% of GDP in Italy, against an EU average of 1.9%, 2.2% in France and 2.9% in Finland. The author argues that family policies should support both parents as caregivers, rather than placing the burden primarily on women.

The commentary also contrasts family spending with military expenditure. It cites global military spending of $2.443 trillion in 2023 and says Italy’s planned military spending for 2024 is €28 billion, including about €10 billion for new weapons. It concludes that addressing demographic decline requires greater investment in care, including schools, hospitals and families, alongside any spending on defence.

Sources: Corriere della Sera.