Orderly conclusion to legislative term (5)

(ANSA) - Rome, Octrober 12 - The government will make "every effort" to ensure there is an "orderly" conclusion to the legislative term, Premier Paolo Gentiloni said Thursday. Speaking to the Italian association of municipalities ANCI at their annual conference in Vicenza, he vowed "now is not the time for irresponsibility" and "beyond all understandable political tension we must put Italy in first place".
    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. "We are working on a budget to boost the recovery," Gentiloni said.
    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".