“We must continue to promote employment and development in our region” explained the president of the region, Roberto Occhiuto. “At the same time, we want to do everything we can to ensure that young people stay to study in Calabria, because the exodus begins at university.”
When the wine is drawn: Calabria, a little-known wine region
A poor region
For years, Calabria has seen investments decline in the region and organized crimes take up more and more space. It is also considered the stronghold of the Ndrangheta mafia.
Located in the extreme south of Italy, it represents the foot of the famous boot. A region which is far from drowning in money, it is in fact one of the poorest in Europe.
According to Eurostat, in 2024, 37% of the population was exposed to a risk of poverty. The median salary of employees in the private sector is half that of Lombardy, a rich region in the north.
This economic gap is causing brains to leave the region. According to the statistics institute Istat, the population of Calabria decreased by 6.4% over the last decade.
Tasty Calabria at low prices
A project that divides
But this new project is not unanimous. Some critics fear it will reinforce inequality in the region. They claim that it is young people from the middle class who will benefit from these bonuses.
Rosa Ferraro, a Calabrian politician, describes this plan as being “linked to social classes”. This monthly income will not change the problem of youth unemployment or the lack of cultural and professional infrastructure in the region.
The project was approved by the regional council and will be officially signed on Wednesday. It will be in effect from the next academic year.
Capri is far from over! We’ll take you on a cruise around Naples and its vibrant region
