Premier Paolo Gentiloni called
on the political world Thursday, "above and beyond
understandable political contrasts," to "put Italy first".
Speaking to the Italian association of municipalities ANCI, he
said "it's no time for irresponsibility".
Gentiloni spoke amid tension over an election-law bill going
through parliament despite critics' contention it was an affront
to democracy.
The government will make "every effort" to ensure there is an
"orderly" conclusion to the legislative term, Gentiloni said.
The 2018 budget will not contain any new taxes and there will
not be a hike in VAT, Gentiloni said, stressing the importance
of avoiding moves that could have a "depressive effect" on the
burgeoning economic recovery.
Gentiloni has frequently stressed the budget should be as
expansionary as possible within EU fiscal restrictions.
The premier also said that resources were "limited" but that
there was "scope for investment" and said there was a "solemn
pact" between the State and the cities represented by ANCI.
On Italy's success in cutting migrant flows from North Africa
after deals in Libya, he said "perhaps we have got onto the
right track".
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