The average Italian class is in trouble: still income, ignored merit and uncertain future. Despite everything, he continues to support families and country, asking for tax reforms and recognition
The average Italian class, which represents approx two thirds of the populationlives a condition of strong economic and social discomfort, as emerges from the 2nd Cida-Censis report “relaunching Italy from the middle class. Recognize skills and merit, rethink tax and welfare”, presented today in the Chamber of Deputies.
Although 66% of Italians identify themselves as a middle class and attributes great value to education and skills, over 80% report that the merit is not adequately recognized in the income received, creating a fracture between cultural capital and economic capital. In recent years, more than half of the middle class has seen or reduced its income, with only 20% that recorded an improvement. Consequently, 45% have already reduced consumption and the majority fear additional sacrifices in the near future.
A worrying figure concerns the prospects of the new generations: Over 50% of parents fear that the children will live in worse economic conditions and more than half hopes that they seek opportunities abroad, marking a overtaking of the “myth of altroke” compared to internal social mobility. Despite this, the middle class continues to invest in the future, with 67% of families who support extraordinary expenses for children and 41% who economically help relatives, confirming themselves as the first social shock absorber of the country. However, this “silent generosity” is under pressure, with 46% that reduced the savings capacity and only 52% that feels protected by public welfare, judged sufficient only by 18%.
The growing dissatisfaction is also reflected in the tax system: 70% of Italians ask for a reduction in gross income taxes, denouncing a strong imbalance between what was paid and the services received. The tax burden is perceived as excessive and unfair, especially for those who work and produce value. Stefano Cuzzilla, president of Cida, has launched an urgent appeal: “The average class is the country’s seal point, but today it is too rich to receive aid and too poor to build future. We need a tax reform that lightens the employee work, press the merit and enhance the manageriality. Defending the average class means guaranteeing stability, cohesion and growth for all of Italy”.
The Secretary General of Censis, Giorgio De Rita, underlined that “protecting and relaunching the average class is an essential choice for the growth of the country”, highlighting how its crisis represents a central challenge for Italian society. The Cida-Censis relationship thus photographs an average class in difficulty, but still determined to support families, territories and future, pending concrete political responses and a new social pact.
