Rome, 27 Aug. (LaPresse) – “We have always been opposed to measures linked to so-called ‘income’. Historical experience shows that they invariably exclude the entire middle class, which is always deemed too wealthy. In addition to the usual difficulty in defining the concept, there is a flood of benefits in Italy, and the vast majority of them go to foreigners and tax evaders. The real beneficiaries are few, leaving out those who are truly in need.” So said Lega Senator Claudio Borghi, when asked by LaPresse for the party’s view on possible fuel measures currently being considered by the government. When asked whether the funding provisions in yesterday’s decree had opened up a dialogue with energy companies, Borghi replied that “advance dividend payments are not a contribution. The various advances, such as the one made to the banks in last year’s budget, are loans, but they are not a genuine levy. As I told Tajani yesterday, I have nothing against any particular sector. There are three options: citizens pay the excise duties; a contribution is sought from those who have earned the most; or we run a higher deficit. Our government partners are willing to deviate slightly from the budget and run a slightly higher deficit – all it takes is the political will. What is certain is that, of these three options, we do not want citizens to foot the entire bill.”
Fuel prices, the League: “No income-based measures – they always leave the middle class out”
Rome, 27 Aug. (LaPresse) – “We have always been opposed to measures linked to so-called ‘income’. Historical experience shows that they invariably exclude the entire middle class, which is always deemed too wealthy. In addition to the usual difficulty in defining the concept, there is a flood of benefits in Italy, and the vast majority of them go to foreigners and tax evaders. The real beneficiaries are few, leaving out those who are truly in need.” So said Lega Senator Claudio Borghi, when asked by LaPresse for the party’s view on possible fuel measures currently being considered by the government. When asked whether the funding provisions in yesterday’s decree had opened up a dialogue with energy companies, Borghi replied that “advance dividend payments are not a contribution. The various advances, such as the one made to the banks in last year’s budget, are loans, but they are not a genuine levy. As I told Tajani yesterday, I have nothing against any particular sector. There are three options: citizens pay the excise duties; a contribution is sought from those who have earned the most; or we run a higher deficit. Our government partners are willing to deviate slightly from the budget and run a slightly higher deficit – all it takes is the political will. What is certain is that, of these three options, we do not want citizens to foot the entire bill.”