A new earthquake shakes the majority. Treasury Minister Fabrizio Saccomanni threatens to resign if Italy fails to meet the 3% deficit ceiling imposed by Europe. “Commitments must be respected, otherwise I'm not in,” the minister told Corriere della Sera, recalling that “we have to find 1,6 billion immediately to get back quickly within the limits of 3%. Then a truce on VAT and Imu will have to be agreed, postponing the question to 2014 with the Stability law, which must be presented by 15 October”.
Secondo Saccomanni, if we act immediately, it is likely that the effect on interest rates will be positive and we could end the year with a deficit well below 3% also thanks to some operations already being studied, such as privatizations and the revaluation of shares of the Bank of Italy today in the hands of the banks. As for the hypothesis of deferring the VAT increase to the end of the year, the minister believes that it is impracticable: “Not even if we increased the petrol by 15 cents would we be able to collect the equivalent. But I don't start desperately looking for a billion if we go to vote in February. All useless if an electoral campaign has already begun.
The reaction of the Pdl is entrusted to the words of Maurizio Gasparri: “Saccomanni is struggling to manage a complex economic situation that requires a much greater spirit of initiative and greater capacity for vision – said the vice president of the Senate -. I have long thought that other choices for ministry would be better. Starting with Letta's direct responsibility in economic matters. Saccomanni's threats scare no one: we have indicated coverage for over ten billion euros, which largely covers the cancellation of the Imu on first homes and the VAT freeze. Perhaps even Saccomanni knows that if VAT increases, state revenues will decrease. In short, if you don't feel like it, leave. A change in the economy is desired by everyone, right and left. I've had personal feedback for months."
Da Palazzo Chigi, however, there is solidarity towards the minister. Prime Minister Enrico Letta expressed "closeness and full harmony" with Saccomanni: sources of the Prime Minister report that "there is room for economic policy solutions" and that "the either-or in government" must end.
