Rome – If the Budget Bill were an orchestra, Antonio Tajani assures us that no one is out of tune: “It’s a harmonious process; there are no conflicting approaches – we’ve managed to accommodate everyone’s requests. And there’s a clear vision.” The Minister of Foreign Affairs therefore sees no reason to bring the elections forward: “Italians can sleep soundly. And so can the opposition.”
Aren’t you a bit disappointed that the IRPEF cut is smaller than expected?
“Everything Forza Italia asked for has been delivered: personal income tax (IRPEF), tax exemptions for young people up to the age of 30, a card for the elderly, vehicle tax relief, and support for businesses. Of course, we had asked for the personal income tax rate to be set at 33% for incomes up to EUR 60,000: we’ll do that in the next Budget Bill; we know the budget is tight. In any case, there is EUR 1.6 billion set aside for personal income tax, and the flat tax threshold rises from EUR 85,000 to 100,000. The important thing is that the Budget revolves around four pillars: the middle class, young people, the elderly and businesses. All in a way that is compatible with the budget.”
What are you most pleased with?
“It’s hard to say. The flat-rate tax of 1% for those who let to young people, the bonus for those attending non-state schools, parental leave allowance extended by one month for each additional child, and the EUR 100 annual INPS bonus up to the age of 18, which serves as the first savings pot for those just coming into the world. All these measures point in the direction of a liberal policy.”
It is not entirely clear what is included in the defence package.
“It’s a comprehensive package worth just over EUR 4 billion; Crosetto will have to finalise the details with Giorgetti in the coming days. But what I like most of all is having our finances in order: it helps businesses operating abroad, projects a positive image of Italy and encourages investment in our country.”
However, no agreement has been reached with the banks. Are you disappointed?
“We had asked that cooperative credit banks and local banks be left untouched, and that their profits not be taxed. But the contribution also demanded of the major energy operators has made the whole thing fairer. I am against the tax on windfall profits, but it is right that those with significant profits should contribute more. Meanwhile, we have protected the banking foundations. They will contribute very little because they support the third sector.”
The banks are not happy.
“The agreement was for three years, I realise that, but we aren’t responsible for everything that’s happened in the world. Eventually, there will be a return for them as well. I really do hope they understand.”
Antonio Di Pietro wants to join the High Council of the Judiciary. Are you never going to vote for him?
“We cannot vote for him: we do not agree with what he has done, and he has clearly demonstrated a vision of justice that is at odds with our own.”
Would Berlusconi have voted for him?
“I don’t want to drag the president into this, but we certainly won’t be voting for him. Let’s be clear: it’s not a personal matter – it’s his track record.”
At the conference, Salvini said: ‘No more aid for Ukraine.’ How will you convince him otherwise?
“A legitimate position, but the majority in the government sees things differently. Today, for example, a state of emergency was declared for Ukraine. Not least because it’s not just about weapons; there’s the humanitarian aspect, and the cold weather has already set in… We’re putting the package together. Personally, I hope that Putin and Zelensky will talk to one another and that the EU will finally choose its representative.”
Following Youssef Siher’s release, centre-right leaders have lashed out at the preliminary investigation judge in Milan. Isn’t this just the never-ending cycle of politics and the judiciary undermining each other’s legitimacy?
“Here, however, the work of the intelligence services and the police is being undermined and rendered meaningless. I’ve heard it said that the intention was not to provoke what happened. But there were problems – and serious ones at that. In any case, we are all free to make up our own minds; it’s not as if we’ve said the verdict shouldn’t be respected. If he was the mastermind behind the unrest, a negative message has been sent.”
And what if it wasn’t?
“As usual, people are questioning what the police are doing.”
So, all is well with the government: are you ruling out a snap election?
“For goodness’ sake, it will carry on until the end of the parliamentary term. Italians can rest easy, and so can the opposition: it’s a pledge made to the voters.”
So why are we still talking about elections?
“We’ve never discussed it; we’re working hard on it, including at an international level. And Salvini agrees with me too.”
Israel has just held an election, but the situation remains complicated. Are you worried?
“It is important that a government is formed: we hope that it will finally set out on the path to peace. And, of course, the violence perpetrated by the settlers must be stopped. As for Iran, we have always hoped that the solution would be diplomatic, never military.”
The Bolsonaros who fled Brazil hold Italian passports. Why?
“As for the ius sanguinis: we issued passports to those citizens who were entitled to them. I was the one who changed the law—drawing plenty of abuse upon myself—because many people were making money out of citizenship. After all, even Lula’s wife, who has since passed away, held an Italian passport.”
