Economy Minister Giovanni Tria was out on the wires in the last hour, saying that deficit will not go above the target of 2.4% of GDP in 2019 and planned growth is conservative.
Additional quotes:
“¢ Our role is to convince EU partners.
“¢ The government does not plan “in any way” to leave Euro, EU.
“¢ Italy/Germany yield spread puts pressure on banks even though the system is sound and bad loans have been cut.
“¢ Italy’s economic fundamentals do not justify the current spread level.
“¢ Growth and social cohesion is the best antidote for uncertainty.
“¢ There are signs of a worsening of the international outlook and of investment recovery.
“¢ The budget aims to offset a slowdown in economic recovery and stimulate long-term growth.
“¢ We cannot afford not to increase the deficit, its cost is sustainable and responsible.
“¢ Growth pace below expectations, ‘fragile’.
“¢ The budget law aimed at cutting the growth gap of Italy with EU.