M5S-League showdown on fiscal decree

(ANSA) - Brussels, October 18 - The two parties supporting the government, the League and the 5-Star Movement (M5S), on Thursday faced a showdown over the executive's fiscal decree linked to the 2019 budget.
    League leader, Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said "the decree won't change, everyone should assume their responsibilities" after the other deputy premier, M5S leader and Labour and Industry Minister Luigi Di Maio said Wednesday that it had been sent to President Sergio Mattarella with a change to the part regarding the government's so-called 'fiscal peace' to help people terminate disputes, without the consent of the M5S.
    Di Maio said he was going to present a petition to criminal prosecutors over "manipulation" of the legislation, expanding the scope of the disputes that could benefit from the fiscal peace - and reportedly in particular benefitting alleged money launderers, according to the Italian media.
    Another source of contention was a measure on car insurance, which the League said had not been discussed but the M5S said contained "measures that were read and discussed".
    As tensions subsequently mounted, the M5S leader said late Thursday "a political clarification is needed, either in a cabinet meeting or at a summit".
    He said the spread had shot up to 327 points because "the markets think we are not united".
    Salvini said there would not be another cabinet meeting on the measure.
    Asked if he would attend a cabinet meeting on Saturday, Salvini said "I have other commitments".
    Denying speculation there might be a crisis, Salvini said "this government will go on for five years".
    Premier Giuseppe Conte said "its up to me to call a cabinet meeting".
    "I'm the premier and I call cabinet meetings and I don't know if Salvini will come, he's on an election campaign".
    The president's office had said earlier that the decree had not been delivered to it.
    Premier Conte said that there was "no rift" between the two ruling parties.
    Conte's office then said the passage of the decree to the president had been halted after the premier had been alerted to the problem.
    "I'll be in Rome on Friday," said Conte, who is attending the European summit in Brussels. "I'l check it article by article and it will go to the president".