The Lower House is to decide on
ratification of the reform of the European
Stability Mechanism (ESM), Europe's bailout fund, in a debate
tabled for next Thursday, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti
said on Friday.
"The ESM is not in my hands, it is in the hands of the House,
the House decides. The conference of party whips has set the
debate for December 14," Giorgetti told reporters in Brussels.
Italy has been holding out on ratification of the reform of the
eurozone bailout mechanism amid concerns about budget
sovereignty and claims the fund should also be used for growth.
The government has also said on several occasions that it wants
to know what fiscal rules the country will be operating under
first, based on the outcome of negotiations underway in Brussels
for the new European Stability and Growth Pact.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
