Italy passes emergency decree to counter trucker strikes

Italy's Council of Minister approved a decree law with urgent provisions and support measures for the road transport, agriculture and fishing sectors as truck drivers' protest against high diesel prices spread across southern Italy on Thursday.

“An agreement has been reached with road transport associations, funds are already being disbursed, and new measures for farmers and fishers were approved today by the Council of Ministers," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on US social media company X.

She said the government would listen to those who protest "peacefully" while working to provide “concrete responses.”

The spread of protests by truck drivers elevated concerns regarding disruptions to the supply of goods, however several have since decided to suspend their protests, according to ANSA news agency.

Truck drivers in Gela however, have decided to maintain their blockade, continuing their protest against rising fuel prices.

“We will continue until there are concrete results. Announcements are of no use to us. These stationary trucks represent our entire lives and our work,” they said.

Dozens of heavy vehicles remained stationary at a roundabout on the SS 117 bis Gela-Catania road at the entrance to Gela.

In recent days, other truck drivers also parked their vehicles at a protest site set up by farmers at the entrance to the town in the province of Caltanissetta.

The mayors of Naples and Bari reportedly warned that their cities risk paralysis amid the protests.

The government has adopted a firm stance, with those responsible for the blockades expected to be identified and reported to police.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi reportedly urged prefects and police chiefs to monitor possible “criminal infiltration” of the protests.