The Italian government has
been "working like crazy on reforms," Economy Minister Pier
Carlo Padoan said in an interview published Tuesday in German
newspaper Handeslblatt.
Padoan denied allegations that the Italian government has
promised too much and under-delivered, saying that it was
necessary to set out an ambitious reform plan for his troubled
country.
"Italy has completed much more than is recognized," Padoan
said in the published interview.
"I was surprised when respectable commentators have
reproached us for producing only announcements," he added.
The interview came as Premier Matteo Renzi appeared before
both houses of the Italian Parliament to discuss his
government's 1,000-day program.
Numerous reforms to labour laws, taxation, education,
election regulations, and dramatic changes to the Senate have
all been announced by Renzi's government but implementation is
taking time.
For example, his government passed a law changing the rules
for temporary employment contracts, but its broader reform of
the labour market continues with its so-called Jobs Act, which
is making its way through Parliament.
"In the last six months, we have worked like crazy and
enacted many laws," Padoan said.
"We have a huge reform program, maybe too big. But we are
convinced that the reforms will lead to good results," he added.
The country cannot wait along longer for significant
reforms, said Padoan.
Italy is in its third recession in six years, with high
unemployment, low consumer confidence and the beginnings of
deflation.
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