The League challenges Meloni: 'Forget about the Stability Pact'

The League raises the tone on the debate over the budget bill, openly challenging the government's line of prudence. Senator Claudio Borghi urges Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to "ignore" the European 3% deficit constraint, calling it a "totem" not to be pursued, and calls for a "courageous" budget to support growth.

The request comes as the majority is divided on priorities. The League focuses on Quota 64 and the flat tax, Forza Italia calls for ambition in more moderate tones, while Brothers of Italy remains close to the prudent line of Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti. The negotiation is complicated by the "short blanket" among the various requests and the energy price shock.

Meanwhile, Meloni is not asking Brussels for a suspension of the Stability Pact, but a correction of the adjustment path to absorb inflation. The League, however, questions the 3% target itself, citing France's projected deficit of 5.4% and nine EU countries, like Italy, under an excessive deficit procedure.

The debate arises from the need to approve the annual budget law, which defines the state's revenues and expenditures. This year's discussion is particularly tense due to two main factors: rising interest rates and the energy crisis linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which has driven up gasoline and gas prices, putting families and businesses in difficulty.

The European context is crucial. The EU's Stability and Growth Pact, suspended during the pandemic, has been reactivated with revised rules. It requires member states to bring the public deficit (the difference between spending and revenue) below 3% of GDP and to reduce public debt. Italy, with its very high debt, is under particular scrutiny.

The internal conflict within the government is between those, like Minister Giorgetti, who want to respect the rules to avoid tensions in financial markets, and those, like the League, who believe it is necessary to spend more to stimulate a stagnant economy and help citizens affected by high energy costs. France, with a projected higher deficit, is used as an argument to demand greater flexibility from Europe. The negotiation therefore plays out on two tables: the internal one to decide spending priorities, and the one with Brussels to obtain room for maneuver.