Musk's new efficiency push stirs controversy at NATO base
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 remained on them, reported the newspaper "Il Messaggero".
The cards, according to the Italian newspaper, were blocked for a group of 60 civilian employees, specifically from the commercial offices of the base in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. All were informed that their cards would be suspended for 30 days.
The goal of this decision is to enhance transparency in federal purchases at the NATO base. Every transaction will now be recorded by a centralized computer system, and the number of cards will be reduced.
The next step, as reported, is the temporary freezing of civilian workers' passes, with some exceptions. These are the forthcoming actions of the DOGE department, led by Elon Musk, towards those employed at the Aviano base.
Reaction of employees and trade unions
A few days earlier, all employees at the Aviano base, both Americans and Italians, received instructions from DOGE to write a report about their work and professional achievements.
This was aimed at determining whether they are necessary. Italian trade unions expressed outrage, arguing that local employees are subject to national, not American, regulations.
These decisions have sparked controversy, especially in the context of legal differences between Italy and the United States. Italian trade unions emphasize that these actions may violate national employment regulations.
