Italian Premier Matteo
Renzi said on Thursday that Italy would make no compromises
regarding the funding needed to ensure the safety of schools
following a devastating earthquake in August.
"For the safety of our children, we do not make
compromises," Renzi said during a visit to Perugia.
He added that all the funds needed to rebuild and reinforce
schools to reduce disaster risks in the wake of the August 24
earthquake would be outside the European Union's Stability and
Growth Pact, which obliges member states to keep their budget
shortfalls below 3% of gross domestic product (GDP).
"We have to become the number one country in the world also
in terms of prevention," he said.
The 6.2-magnitude earthquake destroyed several mountain
villages in central Italy and claimed 298 lives. Renzi has
unveiled a "Home Italy" plan to make the country anti-seismic,
but has said it will take years to complete.
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