Caregiver protections, the first approval from the Chamber. Cappellacci: "A response we've been waiting for twenty years."

The majority called it "an answer to families," while the opposition, which criticizes the lack of resources, called it "a missed opportunity." With 153 votes in favor, 105 against, and 4 abstentions, the Chamber of Deputies approved the bill on family caregivers on first reading. This bill recognizes the social value of caregiving for loved ones and introduces new protections. This is a starting point, according to Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli, "from which there is no turning back." At least 7 million Italians, according to estimates, care for a family member who is ill, disabled, or dependent.

This number is expected to grow as the population ages. Caregivers are often forced to sacrifice their work and private lives, risking burnout: a commitment that has not yet received comprehensive national recognition. The bill recognizes the social value of caregiving and introduces differentiated support based on the intensity of care. "This law begins by ensuring dignity and concrete support, including financial support, for those who are responsible for 24-hour care. The protections are differentiated to ensure support and measures of varying intensity depending on the commitment required," explains Locatelli. From 2013 to 2025, approximately 30 bills on the issue were introduced, none of which reached final approval. "We are providing a response that millions of people have been waiting for for over twenty years," says Ugo Cappellacci, president of the Chamber of Deputies' Social Affairs Committee, who champions the amendment that "raised the ISEE threshold for accessing financial support from €15,000 to €25,000."

Resources are the main political bone of contention. The measure provides €257 million in 2027 and €260 million annually from 2028. The opposition, however, argues that at least €940 million a year is needed. "The Democratic Party is voting against a law that creates inequality among the very people it is supposed to protect, placing the burden of care and assistance on families," says Chiara Braga, Democratic Party group leader in the Chamber of Deputies. Despite millions of potential beneficiaries, she argues, "the law will only cover a few tens of thousands" of people. Avs is also opposed, denouncing an "obstacle course" and "poor economic measures for those who are already poor." Daniela Ruffino, a member of Parliament for Azione, believes that "the majority has combined only good intentions in a bill that lacks sufficient funding." The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration . "We will continue to fight to change a law that provides support of up to €400 per month: just over €1 per hour," assures Marco Furfaro, national welfare director for the Democratic Party. Also under scrutiny are the requirements for accessing benefits, deemed too restrictive, including cohabitation and at least 91 hours of care per week.

(Unioneonline)