ristori

Ristori is the plural form of the Italian noun ristoro, used to denote measures of financial relief or compensation provided by public authorities to individuals or entities that have suffered losses due to events such as natural disasters, economic crises, or public health restrictions. The term conveys the idea of restoring balance or offering consolation after damage or hardship.

In policy discourse, ristori gained prominence in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic as a label for emergency aid packages designed to support businesses, self-employed workers, and other affected groups. These measures were often issued through decree-laws known as Decreti Ristori and could take the form of grants, subsidies, tax credits, or other non-repayable payments. Eligibility and amount criteria varied by sector, size of business, and the nature of restrictions in place, with administration typically handled by ministries, INPS, or other public agencies.

Ristori programs aimed to mitigate revenue losses from restrictions on activity, preserve jobs, and maintain liquidity in the economy. They evolved over time, with successive packages sometimes labeled ristori-bis, ristori-ter, and so on, reflecting adjustments to scope and criteria. Criticism in public debate has focused on bureaucratic complexity, delays in disbursement, and debates over fairness and sufficiency of aid.

Beyond pandemic-related context, ristori can describe any form of relief payments or compensation issued after damage or disruption, including disaster relief or insurance settlements. In general usage, the term remains associated with public financial support intended to compensate losses and facilitate recovery.