The following are key points in the
prospective government 'contract for a government of change'
between the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement and the
anti-migrant, Euroskeptic League:
- BASIC INCOME
This would give 780 euros a month to poor families and job
seekers, who to qualify will have to actively seek work and will
be disqualified if they turn down three straight job offers. It
enjoys massive support in Italy's impoverished south, which the
M5S swept in the March 4 general election. The M5S has said it
will only be brought in after a multi-billion-euro revamp of
Italy's highly inefficient job centres.
- FLAT TAX
There would be two rates, 15% for low-to-middle income earners
and 20% for higher earners. The aim is to stimulate the economy
while cutting tax evasion. It enjoys huge support in the
wealthier north of Italy where the League, formerly the Northern
League, earned most of its votes.
- FORNERO REFORM
The government would revise an unpopular 2011 pension reform
named after then labour minister Elsa Fornero, which raised the
pension age to 67. It would aim to bring the retirement age down
to 64, on the so-called 100 formula (age plus years of
contributions) and increase the categories of 'heavy' work that
will be allowed further cuts.
- REVISION OF EU TREATIES
The government would try to revise European Union fiscal rules
(the Fiscal Compact) and 'bring back sovereignty' to Italy, but
will stop short of trying to take Italy out of the eurozone.
- NO VAX
Eleven vaccines which are currently mandatory would be
recommended, but no longer obligatory. This would go some way
towards meeting demands from the so-called No Vax movement.
- NO TAV
The government would stop a high-speed rail (TAV) line between
Turin and Lyon in France, currently being built north of Turin,
meeting demands from the NO TAV movement. This has been a
long-time M5S vow. The penalty would be two billion euros.
- BONDS BOUGHT BACK BY ECB EXEMPTED FROM EU TALLIES
Government bonds bought back by the European Central Bank
would be exempted from national-debt calculations.
- EASIER DEPORTATION OF MIGRANTS
The procedures to deport illegal migrants would be made
easier. The campaign pledge to repatriate 600,000 undocumented
migrants currently in Italy no longer appears. Rules of
engagement in the Mediterranean to be changed, and Dublin
Regulation revised. Mosque sermons may be ordered to be in
Italian.
- LAW AND ORDER
Self-defence against robbers and assailants will always be
legitimate. Jail time will be increased for serious offenders,
and tax dodgers will go to jail. Undercover cops will be used,
especially for corruption. The statute of limitations will be
lengthened after recent cuts. Civil law procedures to be
reformed and courts boosted to end current 'snail-paced'
justice. Roma camps to be cleared.
- PUBLIC WORKS
The government will launch an ambitious public-works programme
to help lift the economy and create jobs.
- CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The government will introduce stiff norms on conflicts of
interest, which are currently unregulated in Italy.
- INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, TREATIES
The government recommits to NATO but wants to lift sanctions
on Russia which is to be considered a partner rather than a
rival or antagonist.
- 'CONCILIATION COMMITTEE'
When major policy problems arise or key decisions split the
government, a so-called 'conciliation committee' formed by the
premier and party officials will resolve the disputes. Critics
have likened this to the Supreme Soviet or Fascism's Grand
Council but the M5S and League say it is a novel way to avert
political crises.
The contract will be put to M5S voters on their online
platform, Rousseau, and to League voters at gazebos, both over
the weekend.
President Sergio Mattarella has said he will not be a "mere
notary" and will have his say on policies that run counter to
Italy's international commitments and the Italian Constitution.
Cost-wise, the flat tax, basic income and Fornero reform will
alone cost over 100 billion euros, according to estimates by
some experts. That would be the equivalent of three
average-sized budgets.
The M5S and League say they will pay for it by a higher tax
take and a stiffer fight on tax evasion, among other things -
while ruling out a wealth tax.
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