Giorgia Meloni e Ursula von der Leyen I am in Emilia-Romagna today to take stock of the reconstruction after last year's floods. The visit does not convince the thousands of people waiting for the repeatedly promised compensation. They have been announced manifestations of protests with hundreds of small entrepreneurs in the front row. Today, however, 1,2 billion euros from the Pnrr should be announced.
The controversy over the policies to be subscribed by companies does not stop regarding compensation for these extreme cases. A tax for the future because climate changes are unexpected but expected. An oxymoron? Far from it.
Natural disasters especially bring small businesses to their knees. They are now a constant worry, given the speed with which they occur. The most sensational Italian cases still open are, in fact, those of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany where today a word of truth should arrive. Everyone remembers the prime minister with her big boots patting herself on the back. Then when we went around the countryside and farms between Modena, Bologna and the sea, the water in the plains was no longer there and everything started again while waiting for some subsidy.
Self-defense without the State
The state has asked businesses to get insurance by 31th December of this year. According to the Budget Law they are obliged to take out a policy with an insurance company which includes penalties of up to 500 thousand euros.
Insurance coverage serves to alleviate claims for compensation for damages from the State. In other words: if the climate harms you, see it for yourself, I have nothing to do with it. The government, in practice, takes cover and businesses have to shoulder new expenses.
Cna, Confartigianato and Casartigiani, three organizations that have an impact on the SME sector, are hoping for a postponement of the deadline beyond 31 December 2024.
In the Chamber they asked for the extension of one year for everything that can cause a flood, a landslide, an overflow. On the other hand, the insurance market broadens its base by having to provide by law for a deductible of up to 15 percent of the damages verified.
Today's visit could provide a sign of peace between those who boast state compensation and the prime minister who signed a law that excludes the state from what happens in the territories.
