Economy Minister Giovanni Tria
on Thursday defended the government's budget plan.
"We and Europe are the same thing and this will be even more
so if we dialogue with conviction to define the strategy to
govern transitions, regarding which our budget gives different
responses to those of the past, but ones that are no less solid
or credible," Tria said in Padua.
The European Commission could open an infringement procedure
after the government refused to make substantial changes to its
budget plan, which sees Italy running a deficit of 2.4% of GDP
next year.
The Commission says this would lead to a breach of the
Stability and Growth Pact.
Premier Giuseppe Conte's 5-Star Movement-League government
counters that an expansive budget is necessary to finance key
policy pledges and boost growth.
Tria said the European rules do not enable countries to
combat low growth.
"The problem of growth is a European one, which should be
tackled together and not in a separate, conflictual way," Tria
said.
"Europe does not seem aware of the situation and seems
incapable of adopting policies to combat economic slowdown".
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