Sometimes it takes little to understand how lucky we are. We Italians succeed a little difficult. It is a fact of character, perhaps of national anthropology: we often look at the neighbor’s grass, more green than ours even when it is dry, and sometimes we forget about what we have. Sometimes. A survey such as the Eurispes 2025 report is needed to tell us that even if complaining is our favorite sport, seven out of ten Italians, surprisingly, they declare that yes, living in Italy is a fortune. And they are right. And how they are right. Just guide a news, lengthening the look beyond the border. In Gaza, or in Ukraine, two of the geopolitical areas where the absolute evil is increasing. Or in Sudan, Yemen or Bangladesh. In those suburbs of the world where the third world war in pieces evoked by Pope Francis is already reality. Countries devastated by history and geography, where you die for nothing and live is a luxury. There, war is not a threat but a habit.
And instead, here, under the unguarded sky of the Republic, we can still allow us the luxury of disenchantment. To complain about the economy that does not start again, of the bills that weigh, of the health that arranges. We can even afford not to trust institutions. This too, paradoxically, is a sign of freedom. There are regimes in which all this is not possible. In 2025, Eurispes tells us, the trust of Italians is falling almost everywhere: parliament, government, regions, judiciary, unions, parties. All in red. Only suspicions, disappointments, distances increase. But among the ruins of public reliability, a lighthouse continues to shine in the fog: the lighthouse of the Quirinale. Sergio Mattarella embodies the lost credibility of the system. It does so with sobriety, measure, and that institutional composure that today seems an ancient value. 63.6 percent of Italians give him confidence. And perhaps it is even little, compared to what it represents. The natural beauty, the artistic and cultural tradition and good cuisine, freedom of opinion and expression and the favorable climate are the first five reasons that make a fortune to live in Italy. Among those who consider living in our country an unfortunate the general economic conditions and working precariousness occupy the first places among the reasons indicated.
Law enforcement and firefighters – men and women who protect us in emergencies – collect the highest consent, together with intelligence. Here is where Italy takes refuge who no longer trusts anyone: in concreteness, in the silent operosity of those who work on the field, even if in secrecy.
Daily life remains tiring. 60% of Italians struggle to arrive at the end of the month. More than one in three must affect the savings. The cost of living frightens more than any future dictatorship, yet it does not bend us. It remains strong – and grows – resilience, a word as abused as it is true in times of crisis. And while we fear earthquakes, floods and new recessions, we are still able to appreciate the climate, the landscape, freedom, food, culture. So six out of ten people, when the 27th arrives, do not think of the weekend or cinema, but what remains on the current account. And the answer is: too little. The rent, the mortgage, the bills, medical visits – normal things, adult things – become mountains to be scaled with bare hands. Without ropes, and often breathless. Yet, in the midst of all this, 12.6% say they have improved. Few, but there are.
76.2 percent fail to put anything aside. Which is not only an economic, but also existential drama. Because saving is not just for buying something tomorrow. It serves to hope. To imagine a future, perhaps different. Instead, many Italians live like this: day by day, like those who walk on the eyelash of a ravine without being able to stop. However, and here is the surprise – the little good news hidden between the lines – these data, however serious, are improving. It seems incredible, but that’s the case. As if, at the bottom of this tunnel that we call reality, there was a flame. Small, trembling, but on.
In summary, that seven out of ten happy to live here is a fact that surprises, but not too much. Because after all, even if sometimes we forget it, this country – our country – still gives us a lot. Despite it all. We have art, beauty, freedom. And we have Mattarella. If this is not a fortune, then what is it? Sometimes, to understand how lucky you are to be Italian (but you could add: to be European), it would be enough to open your eyes.
Francesco Anfossi
