NATO base employees' cards blocked amid regulation push
The United States Government Efficiency Department (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has blocked the business payment cards of employees at the NATO base in Aviano, northern Italy, which is administered by American forces. Only one dollar was left on these cards, reported the newspaper "Il Messaggero."
According to the Italian newspaper, the cards were blocked for a group of 60 civilian employees, specifically in the commercial offices of the base in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. All employees were informed that their cards would be suspended for 30 days.
The goal of this decision is to enhance the transparency of federal purchases at the NATO base. Every transaction will now be recorded by a centralized computer system, and the number of cards issued will be reduced.
The next step, as reported, is the temporary freezing of civilian workers' passes, with some exceptions. These actions are part of the DOGE department's initiative, led by Elon Musk, toward employees at the Aviano base.
Reaction of employees and trade unions
A few days earlier, all employees at the Aviano base, both American and Italian, received instructions from DOGE to write a report about their work and professional achievements.
This was aimed at determining their necessity. Italian trade unions expressed outrage, arguing that local employees are subject to national, not American, regulations.
These decisions have sparked controversy, especially considering the legal differences between Italy and the United States. Italian trade unions emphasize that these actions may violate national employment regulations.
