ROME — They will not have the increase of almost 7 thousand euros that was initially planned, but in any case the salaries of ministers and undersecretaries will rise. Overwhelmed by the controversy, the Prime Minister herself Giorgia Meloni asked for the withdrawal of the amendment to the budget that increased the salaries of government members who are not also parliamentarians. But in reality the measure has not been completely cancelled: in the reformulation of the majority stakeholders, agreed with the government, there is the possibility of new reimbursements for travel expenses totaling around 2500 euros. And the so-called “anti-Renzi” rule remains in the text, which prohibits members of the executive from receiving funds from non-EU countries and allows it, up to 100 thousand euros, only for parliamentarians and regional presidents, upon authorization.
Just yesterday in the Chamber, the debate continued over the initiative to increase the salaries of ministers and undersecretaries who earn less than deputies or senators. “They think of themselves, but they only give one more euro to pensioners”, attacks the Pd secretary a few days ago Elly Schlein. “We agree with the withdrawal of the law, but we do not accept lessons”, replied the prime minister in the Chamber.
But at the same time, in the Budget Committee, where the maneuver was being examined, work was being done to correct the offensive change twice. Reformulations, however, and not the removal of the text. Which was approved at the end of the night. What changes? In short, the part of the law that provided for an increase of 3,500 euros net per month for members of the government who are not parliamentarians. But they may still be “entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses to and from their home or residence to carry out their duties”. Theoretically there is no maximum refund limit, although in any case requests cannot exceed the global limit of 500 thousand euros: this will be worth the fund established at Palazzo Chigi for refunds.
EU Council, the Chamber as a ring: between Milei’s sideburns, the world of A-Meloni, macumbe and woodoo
The change does not calm the opposition’s controversies: “In the wonderful world of Meloni, the withdrawal of the law that increases ministers’ salaries is announced, while the reformulation that only foresees the reduction by half of the increase remains”, states the dem group. committee leader, Ubaldo Pagano.
However, from the center-right they try to counterattack. The FI leader in the Senate Mauricio Gasparri provocatively announces the presentation of a bill that reduces the salary of those elected to Parliament: «So all those who are against the increase for ministers will have to support my proposal, because if we have to engage in demagoguery we are stronger than the others» , says the Forza Italia senator. And the president of the Senate Ignazio La Russa takes the same position: «Ministers’ salaries? Let’s lower the parliamentarians’ salary, to truly equalize them”, he says ironically, criticizing the opposition that “is careful not to propose cuts to our salaries”.
In the same text rewritten by the government, however, the part that prohibits all members of the government from receiving “contributions or other benefits, provided directly or indirectly through the interposition of companies “of public or private entities” based outside the European territory Union or entities”. Parliamentarians and governors will be able, instead, to receive compensation of up to 100 thousand euros from “non-community” entities only if authorized “by the bodies to which they belong in accordance with the procedures established by their own laws”. Without authorization, any compensation received must be awarded to the State within 30 days.
For example, the law would prohibit Senator Matteo Renzi continue to receive compensation from foreign sovereign wealth funds, such as Saudi Arabia, for its consulting and speaking activities.
It is no coincidence that it was the leader of Italia Viva who reacted yesterday to yet another rewriting of the maneuver: «It is the first Soviet domination of the right-wing government», Renzi told L’Aria che Tira on La7, adding: «I will continue to do all my things according to the rules, I leave the personal “revenge” to Giorgia Meloni.”