Il liberalization decree he has not yet begun his journey in Parliament, but the first surprises have already arrived. The definitive text entered into force today, after the signature of President Napolitano and the publication in the Official Gazette, and among the 97 articles there are some changes compared to the first circulated version: the most important concerns the 5,7 billion euros allocated by the Government to start paying private creditors of the public administratione.
In reality, the state's overdue debts amount to a much higher figure (over 70 billion). The allocated funds therefore represent a small slice of the capital claimed by companies, however the Minister of Economic Development, Corrado Passera, underlined that "we are still dealing with 11 thousand billion old lire".
Let's see in detail where these 5,7 billion come from. Article 35 of the decree provides that, at the request of creditors, debts may be extinguished through the assignment of government bonds for a maximum value of two billion (a figure that will not be calculated among the net issues of government bonds). Another 2,7 billion will come from special funds deriving from passive residues. Finally, a further billion will be used to pay off credits relating to intermediate consumption.
We now come to the real liberalizations. The various measures will become operational following a rather dilated calendar over time. But a dozen measures come into force as of today. Here are the main ones:
– ABOLITION OF PROFESSIONAL RATES. It provides for the repeal of "all professional rates, both minimum and maximum" and the introduction of the mandatory estimate. On this front, however, a softening has arrived: the estimate must be put in writing only at the request of the customer. The Government has also established that the table used to determine the number and residence of notaries should immediately be increased by 500 seats.
– AUTO TPL INSURANCE. Discounts for those who agree to install a black box on their vehicle, the installation of which is the responsibility of the companies. As far as insurance agents are concerned, before taking out any policy they will have to inform customers about the contractual conditions practiced by other companies.
– INSURANCE: AT LEAST TWO ESTIMATES FOR POLICIES LINKED TO MORTGAGES. If they make the disbursement of the loan conditional on the signing of a life insurance contract, the banks will have to submit to the customer at least two estimates from different insurance groups.
– PHARMACIES. It will be possible to extend the opening hours and offer discounts on practically everything. A small novelty is also on the way: "If the doctor does not indicate the non-substitutability of the prescribed drug on the prescription, the pharmacist is required to supply the generic equivalent medicine at the lowest price, unless otherwise requested by the customer".
– PETROL AND FUEL. Managers who are also owners of the plant will be able to purchase the brand of fuel they prefer. Furthermore, it will be possible to open new self-service plants, but only outside inhabited centres. Petrol stations will also be able to sell other products, such as newspapers and tobacconists.
– SRL YOUTH WITH ONE EURO. The creation of a type of company called simplified with limited liability for young people up to 35 years with capital of 1 euro and simplified procedures is favoured.
