Conte defends slow lockdown easing amid criticism

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte is defending his government's slow and cautious plan to ease the country's coronavirus lockdown, which began seven weeks ago.

While parks, factories, and construction sites are set to reopen on May 4, shops will remain closed until May 18, and restaurants, bars, and hairdressers will not open until June 1.

Students will not return to school until September, a decision supported by 78% of respondents in a recent poll.

The phased reopening has drawn criticism from businesses, the opposition, and even members of Conte's coalition, who are concerned about the economic and social impact of the prolonged lockdown.

Prime Minister Conte stated that he must prioritize preventing a second wave of infections and cannot be swayed by public opinion, despite understanding the public's feelings.

Despite criticism, Conte's popularity has surged among ordinary voters, with his approval rating at 66%.

Italy has registered nearly 27,000 deaths and over 200,000 cases since the outbreak began, but numbers have been declining in recent weeks.

Some regional governors have announced plans to ease restrictions more quickly than the national government's schedule.