“The demographic winter does not only impact Italy but Europe as well, it has huge implications on social stability,” the prime minister said.

“I am proud to be able to say that this government has finally given the issue of birth-rate and demography the centrality it deserves, because it is an economic matter.

“We have done it with a package of interventions, without foregoing to convey the message that the birth of a child is a ‘plus’ rather than a ‘minus’ sign,” noted Meloni.

Population decline is often a focal point for right-wing governments. It stems from the ‘Great Replacement’ conspiracy theory developed by French author Renaud Camus.

Meloni also said in her speech that the dynamic between employers and employees needed to change and go beyond the “toxic conflictual vision” that some unionists still embrace.

“The title of this assembly is The Courage of participation, an evocative title [which] concerns another challenge - innovating our productive economic model uniting subsidiarity and growth,” said Meloni.

“This means re-founding the dynamic between business and labour once and for all, going beyond this toxic conflictual vision that some obstinately pursue in the world of unions,” Meloni noted.

ANSA