Italy’s 10-year BTP yield climbed above 4.55%, hovering near its highest level in three years, as mounting social unrest across Europe and growing concerns over the continent’s fiscal outlook weighed on markets. In France, mass protests intensified over the weekend, while demonstrations in Milan against the rising cost of living turned violent, resulting in clashes with police. This unrest has amplified worries about Europe’s fiscal stability ahead of next year’s elections, including in Italy, where the debt burden is expected to overtake Greece’s this year, making it the most indebted country in the eurozone.
Italy’s draft budget foresees the deficit rising to 3.4% of GDP in 2027, up from an estimated 2.9% this year. The plan includes proposed contributions from banks and insurers to alleviate fiscal pressures, alongside potential tax breaks for households and increased defense and energy spending. Premier Giorgia Meloni is seeking consensus within the governing coalition on the structure of these contributions, with a summit scheduled for Monday to finalize the approach.
