A woman receives a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a Red Cross vaccination center near Rome's Termini main train station on January 10, 2022, as Italy implements stricter rules for the unvaccinated. Reuters File Photo
The Italian government announced on Monday that it has abolished fines for those who refused to comply with mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations. The fines were initially introduced to boost vaccination rates amid the country's struggle to control the pandemic. Italy has been one of the hardest-hit nations since the outbreak was identified in early 2020, with over 190,000 deaths recorded, according to the World Health Organisation.
Former Prime Minister Mario Draghi made vaccinations mandatory for teachers and healthcare workers, extending the requirement to individuals over 50 during his tenure from 2021 to 2022. Those who refused faced consequences, including suspension without pay for public employees and fines of 100 euros ($105) for those over 50. However, a recent cabinet statement declared the fines nullified, and all related payment obligations have been revoked.
While Italian media speculated about potential reimbursements for those who had already paid, the statement did not address this. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who assumed office in late 2022 leading a right-wing coalition, criticized her predecessors Draghi and Giuseppe Conte for their ideological approach to COVID-19, promising a different strategy.
Opposition parties expressed strong disapproval of the decision. Riccardo Magi, a lawmaker from the +Europa party, stated, "Removing fines for the unvaccinated is essentially condoning anti-vaccination conspirators and deniers."
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