Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has intensified her criticism of the EU, advocating for more fiscal flexibility amid an energy crisis and approaching local elections. She criticized the EU's bureaucratic structure and its handling of the green transition. Meloni's push for fiscal flexibility has garnered attention, especially after a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Despite her government's recent referendum defeat, she maintains significant domestic support. The economic pressure on Italy is high, with concerns over energy costs and debt, as the country prepares for general elections next year.