Meloni had hoped to manage within the EU framework so Italy could avoid being singled out by Brussels over how its budgetary policy should be managed.
The budget setback hits Meloni's government, which is currently licking its wounds after a major legal reform was blocked in a referendum. In addition, Meloni's ambitious defense investments are hampered by budget problems, while the country's economy is being squeezed by higher energy prices and uncertain prospects due to the war involving Iran.
