Guaranteed Minimum Income in Italy and the Fight Against Social Exclusion: A Downside Compromise in Light of the Principles of Equality and Solidarity

This study examines the Italian social assistance system in the context of antipoverty measures, primarily structured through the minimum income guaranteed by the legislator. Adopting a multi-level perspective, the analysis highlights several critical issues within the legislation enacted over the past decade: administrative barriers to benefit allocation, the lack of coordination between the State and regional authorities in developing antipoverty strategies, and discriminatory practices against immigrants. The author concludes that these factors collectively hinder efforts to address the “poverty trap”.