Meloni's cabinet to approve first measures for flood zones

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 23 - Premier Giorgia Meloni's cabinet is set to approve an initial package of measures worth around 100 million euros to respond to the emergency following last week's deadly floods and landslides in Emilia Romagna that left 14 people dead and caused huge damage to the local economy and infrastructure.
    The measures in support of local businesses impacted by the extreme weather events are expected to include the suspension of mortgage payments and the introduction of tax payment plans.
    The government also intends to activate the European guarantee fund for "the maximum amount allowed under EU rules on state aid".
    Other measures reportedly under consideration include possible exemption from work for local public sector workers who are unable to perform their duties even by remote due to the flooding.
    The period of exemption would constitute active service for legal purposes, and it would be on top of the 45-day-per-year allowance for special leave.
    The initial package will be followed by further measures to aid the reconstruction effort once the damage has been fully assessed. (ANSA).