** Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani has cautioned against using “threats” to extract contributions from banks, emphasizing cooperation over confrontation. Speaking at the “States General of the South” forum in Reggio Calabria, Tajani addressed League leader Matteo Salvini’s proposal for voluntary bank contributions, stating: “Banks must pay taxes and contribute, but through involvement—not intimidation. We must not scare foreign investors or markets.”
He further asserted: “Threatening taxes won’t achieve results. Dialogue and discussion are essential. Banks must do their part but shouldn’t be branded public enemy number one.” Tajani reiterated his principled opposition to invoking new taxes, noting banks must “fulfill their duties like all citizens and businesses.” He underscored their role in collecting savings, granting loans, and complying with regulations, adding: “We cannot alarm investors by declaring tax hikes. The League has its views; ours are entirely different.”
Contrasting Tajani’s stance, the League issued a statement demanding banks relinquish “a minimal portion” of their profits to fund tax relief. It highlighted that Italian banks earned over €46 billion in 2024 alone while “millions of Italians struggle with overdue tax bills and legacy debts.” The party prioritized “tax peace” and a definitive “scrapping” of tax arrears—allowing decade-long, penalty-free monthly repayments—arguing this benefits citizens and the state. “If banks must sacrifice a fraction of their massive profits to achieve this,” the League affirmed, “it is only fair.”
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