Premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday
presented the government's new 9.1-billion-euros package to help
families and businesses cope with the soaring energy costs.
"With the energy decree we have allocated 9.1 billion euros
prevalently to giving an immediate response to families and
firms," Meloni told a press conference after her cabinet
approved the package on Thursday.
The decree comes after a series of packages passed by the
previous government of ex-premier Mario Draghi worth a combined
total of around 66 billion euros.
Meloni said her government's decree "extends existing measures"
and brings in new ones.
That means tax credits for businesses for energy expenditure and
cuts to fuel duties that bring down the price at the pump by 30
cents a litre will continue until the end of the year.
Meloni explained that it will be possible for businesses to pay
energy bills for the period up to March 31, 2023 that are higher
than last year's in instalments, ranging from over 12 to 26
months
The decree increases concessions for gas drilling in the
Adriatic as part of the effort to reduce Italy's reliance on
foreign energy.
"This will free up about two billion cubic metres of gas that
can give security to the Italian productive system on the energy
front" she said.
Green groups and citizens concerned about the climate crisis
have said the government should focus on boosting renewable
energy sources rather than looking for new fossil fuels that
generate greenhouse-gas emissions.
The decree also raises the limit for cash transactions from
2,000 euros to 5,000.
While opposition parties have said this could help tax evaders,
Meloni said raising the threshold brings Italy in line with the
EU average.
The Superbonus scheme, which gives rebates for building work to
improve energy efficiency, has been revised, with rebates
reduced from 110% to 90%.
"The Superbonus started out with the worthy aim of helping the
economy but the way in which it was done has created many
problems," said the premier.
"I remind those who told people that they could renovate their
apartment buildings for free that this cost the State 60 billion
euros and left a hole of 38 billion (in the public finances).
"Let's say that the concept of it being free is bizarre.
"Giving coverage of 110% took the responsibility way form those
who used it.
"If you don't have to contribute, you don't ask for a fair
price.
"This led to market distortions that primarily benefited people
on medium-high incomes".
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