Regions, cities slam govt's DEF (2)

(ANSA) - Rome, April 18 - Regional representatives told the joint house and senate budget committee on Monday that the government's 2016 economic and financial blueprint (DEF) contains "unbearable, unrealistic" cuts. They urged the introduction of "standardized costs for all levels of government and not just local bodies" because as it stands, the DEF envisages spending cuts that will be "difficult to sustain". The National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI) said a 25% hiring freeze will "pauperize" the civil service.
    City administrations called for rules allowing them "the proper exercise of their tax and financial autonomy" while regional delegates said savings from spending cuts should remain in regional coffers so they can be reinvested.