Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini is making waves with a bold proposal to withdraw the country from the World Health Organization (WHO). This move comes hot on the heels of former President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the United States from the organization.
Salvini, leader of the anti-globalist League party, announced his bill in the Chamber of Deputies, stating, “I presented this morning at the Chamber of Deputies, the League’s bill to leave the WHO (World Health Organization), as did the United States with Donald Trump.”
His proposal targets the supranational body, which has been struggling since the U.S. withdrawal, a departure that left a significant financial gap—about 15% of the WHO’s budget. As of 2024-25, the WHO’s budget was set at $6.83 billion (€6.52 billion), and cuts to hiring and travel expenses are already being applied.
Salvini is critical of Italy’s continued financial support of the WHO, arguing, “Italy no longer has to deal with a supranational power centre – handsomely funded by Italian taxpayers – that goes hand-in-hand with multinational pharmaceutical companies.” He pointed out that Italy contributes a hefty €100 million, which could instead be used to support the country’s healthcare system. “We need to fund our hospitals and doctors,” Salvini declared. According to WHO’s funding data, Italy’s contribution for 2024-25 stands at €66 million, including €34 million in membership fees.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close ally of Trump, has yet to take a firm public stance on Salvini’s bill.
Meanwhile, Germany’s health minister, Karl Lauterbach, expressed disappointment over Trump’s withdrawal, calling it “a serious blow to the international fight against global health crises,” while former EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides lamented the U.S. decision and urged a reconsideration of the move. Current EU health commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, affiliated with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party, has yet to comment.
As Italy moves toward its own decision, Salvini’s proposal highlights a growing skepticism about globalist organizations and their influence on national sovereignty. Many see this as a necessary step in reclaiming control over domestic priorities, especially in the face of mounting global pressure.
