Opposition parties have said the government is in chaos with its 2026 budget bill amid a row over a package of amendments presented to it as the executive rushes to push it though parliament before the end of the year.
One of amendments affecting when people who paid to have the time they were at university counted as years of national insurance contributions could retire was scrapped after sparking an outcry.
Another, regarding the time lag between when a person acquires the requisites for early retirement and when they actually start receiving a State pension, has come under heavy fire from parties within Premier Giorgia Meloni's ruling coalition, especially the League, the party of Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti.
"What has happened over the last few days is unacceptable," said Elly Schlein, the leader of the opposition, centre-left Democratic Party.
"Just two days ago Meloni was showing off in the Lower House against the opposition, but last night her majority broke down.
