Budget gives people sign of hope-Salvini

(ANSA) - Rome, December 6 - Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini told an ANSA Forum on Thursday that the government's budget package for 2019 will give ordinary Italians hope for the future. "We aren't spending money senselessly," League party leader Salvini said. "I'm convinced that the Italian people want to look ahead and we give a sign of hope with this budget".
    The Commission has rejected Rome's budget plan for 2019, which sees Italy running a deficit of 2.4% of GDP next year, saying it breaks EU rules. Premier Giuseppe Conte's executive has said an expansive budget is needed to finance key pledges and boost sluggish growth. After initially ruling out make substantial changes to the package, the government has recently indicated it could amend it to reach an agreement to avert an EU infringement procedure. Italy's bond have come under pressure in recent months and the spread between the 10-year BTP and the German equivalent approached the 300-basis points mark on Thursday.
    "The spread has not gone up because of Salvini but because an important Chinese businesswoman was arrested in Canada, which means the situation is not easy," the minister said.