The budget bill is in the final stages of its parliamentary process, but many of the issues that have plagued parliamentary scrutiny appear unresolved and likely to resurface in the coming months. This begins with pensions, which remains a sore point, especially for the League. After the government's vote of confidence, which it secured with 219 votes in favor and 125 against, the Chamber will approve the bill today, one day before the end of the year and the provisional budget, and more than two and a half months after its approval by the Council of Ministers. This concludes a challenging journey for the center-right, which has seen its majority falter at several points, but which the government ultimately vindicates, especially regarding the stability of its budget.
The opposition, which from the outset attacked the bill as "asphyxiating" and "lacking growth prospects," took a completely different view. The center-right, however, eventually found a compromise, but the coalition parties remained persistently pressing on many fronts. The League, in particular, has written down in its agenda the request to nullify the increase in the retirement age, which takes effect in 2027.
"The League is asking for a further reduction; we'll see in 2026," Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, present in the Chamber from the start of the debate, shrugs his shoulders. Moreover, the Treasury Minister adds, the gradual nature of the reduction in the budget has been "covered with over a billion." In short, the accounts are in order, but ambitions need to be kept at bay. We'll see next year. "Giorgetti is contradicting the League again," the Democratic Party, led by Chiara Braga, attacks. "They're trying to rewrite the budget with agendas, but the patch is worse than the hole," he observes. The League, again via agendas, is also asking for consideration of a return to an incremental flat tax and a tax for young people under 30 and under 35.
For Forza Italia, the goal remains support for the middle classes. Next year, leader Antonio Tajani emphasizes, we want to "continue reducing the tax burden: we must broaden the income tax base to at least 60,000, continue to lower the tax burden, and strive for higher salaries." This is a primary objective on which the Ministry of Economy and Finance is unwavering. "We plan to do something more in the next budget law if we find the financial resources," emphasizes Deputy Minister Maurizio Leo. "We could reach 60,000 euros, thus embracing the entire middle class." Numerous small requests also emerge from the majority's agenda.
La manovra blindata alla Camera, l’ira delle opposizioni: «Non siamo passacarte»
Among the opposition's motions, one by Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte stands out. It calls for a halt to Defense Ministry funding for the arms sector and support for healthcare, education, and green investments. It remains to be seen whether the center-left will be able to remain united at the time of a potential vote, given that the Democratic Party's reformists have already expressed discontent. "Unacceptable," Lia Quartapelle makes clear. Otherwise, the opposition remains united in its criticism of the text.
(Unioneonline)