Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced that a debate is underway within the ruling coalition to revise the criteria of the ISEE indicator, a key tool for means-testing social benefits. Speaking remotely at a UDC party event, the League party leader stated, “I have also discussed this with [Economy Minister] Giancarlo Giorgetti, and we in the League have brought it to the discussion. There is a dialogue within the majority, as it is right to review the ISEE rules because all the bonuses too often always go to the same people.”
Commenting on the League’s relationship with the UDC, Salvini added, “There may be different methods, tones, or attitudes, but on the issues we are close.” He described the alliance between governing parties as a union of pleasure, not duty, aiming to give their best in the upcoming regional elections and then wage their common battles.
On the matter of an income tax (Irpef) cut and a car scrappage scheme, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti confirmed these are government objectives but must be prioritized. He emphasized that international commitments, particularly defense spending and support for Ukraine, “are not free” and represent a new factor that must be considered within the overall economic picture.
“We know perfectly well what the priorities are,” Giorgetti stated, “and we will always act in absolute compliance with what was indicated in our electoral program.” While reaffirming the intent to proceed with “fiscal relief,” the minister urged caution, employing a metaphor: “It’s like in a car… My goal is to ensure this car arrives safely at its destination in full efficiency. So if I brake from time to time, I do it for everyone’s good.”
Minister Giorgetti also firmly ruled out the possibility of a corrective budget maneuver, asserting there is no need to “correct a course that the referees already tell us is the right one.” He underscored the government’s aim to protect and support families and workers, with particular attention to large families and expenses related to maintaining a household, starting with school costs.