Italy's difficult budget faces market scrutiny as economic pitfalls mount up

Prime minister Giorgia Meloni is facing a difficult 2024 budget, with investors dismayed by government moves affecting sectors from banks to airlines

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni: Unease over her economic vision spiked last month when the government announced an unexpected windfall tax on bank profits, which hit lenders' shares.

Italy is under growing market scrutiny as prime minister Giorgia Meloni prepares a difficult 2024 budget, with investors dismayed by government moves affecting sectors from banks to airlines.

Ms Meloni is attempting to keep her tax-cutting promises while also lowering the fiscal deficit.