Positive measures, but a missed opportunity to build a broader and bolder law. That is the verdict of Domani – Motus Liberi on the bill introducing new measures to support families, maternity and the birth rate, which has reached the Grand and General Council (Consiglio Grande e Generale).
The opposition party directs part of its criticism at the process that led to the measure. “The majority handled the process in a closed-off manner, rejecting almost all proposals — including those that would have significantly improved the bill — put forward by the opposition. In our view, this way of proceeding demeans democratic debate, confirming the ‘take it or leave it’ approach that has for too long characterised the actions of the parties supporting the government,” the statement reads.
D-ML acknowledges “the good sense behind some of the measures included in the bill,” but stands by the proposals it put forward during committee work, which were subsequently rejected. Among these, the party cites incentives for smart working and flexibility for pregnant employees, paid leave for enrolling children in nursery and pre-school, vouchers for care services, free perinatal psychological support, and home assistance after childbirth.
The party had also requested specific protections for self-employed workers and freelancers, as well as the option for pensioners to act as caregivers by forgoing the related payment without losing their pension. “All these proposals were rejected by the majority, whose members often used the excuse that they should be presented within the framework of other bills. We reiterate instead that a law focused on helping families — which has topped the list of our fellow citizens’ expectations for months — would have been the natural place to address them.”
According to D-ML, the debate that took place in the Chamber after the July sitting was postponed proved more constructive. The party cites among the steps forward the option of part-time work and smart working for parents in their children’s early years, the extension of pregnancy allowance and parental leave, higher family allowances, and fee exemptions for single-parent households.
The party also welcomes the recognition of the family caregiver, albeit with some reservations. It is “certainly good news,” D-ML says, “but one tarnished by the limits imposed on who can actually carry out this role and by its being off-limits to pensioners, unless they forgo their pension altogether.”
For Domani – Motus Liberi, then, the bill represents a step forward but does not exhaust the issue. “A single measure, however, cannot be enough: financial support is necessary, but it cannot be the only answer. Bolder policies are needed on housing, employment and services and, above all, a cultural shift that once again places family and parenthood at the heart of the country’s choices.”
The party finally announced that it will continue putting forward new proposals on the issue, reiterating that “truly supporting families means creating the conditions so that choosing to have children is no longer an obstacle course.”
