“This ploy is populist and forces the Italian people into debt,” Calendar said.

“The announced strategy is to reduce the deficit by a large amount of money, which is very dangerous at the moment because we are in a very unstable situation internationally. “No one talks about it, but it’s a scary situation.” ” said Carlo Calenda, former Minister of Economic Development and leader of the action.

Why define it as a populist maneuver?

“Because to cut taxes by creating a budget deficit, to put the Italian people themselves into debt, to do it in such a very difficult international situation, is very dangerous and very populist. “You attract voters. But the voters notice it first. They realize you’re giving them a few extra euros a month, but then you have to go for a CT scan. If not, you will have to pay for it yourself.”

Health care remains a key battleground between the majority and the opposition, with Meloni promising more money to shorten waiting lists. Is it reliable?

“As promised, there is nothing concrete at the moment. There is some funding for contractual arrangements, which is certainly important, but a serious waiting list treatment plan alone would require 10 million cases. of oncology services, screening and surgical interventions will be required, costing even more ” over 2 billion euros. Therefore, from this point of view, this is an operation in which emergency management alone is insufficient. ”

And what about the reduction in Irpef fees?

“The important thing is how to do it. I agree with the reduction of the Irpev interest rate, but by then it has already reached 4 billion euros and could have been limited to that. Again, the question is: That means there will be a deficit. If we don’t do that, spending won’t go down, but taxes will go down and debt will go up, and that debt will fall on the shoulders of Italians, for example on fuel and other issues. If something goes wrong, there is a risk of not having any euros.Finally, this has not been an issue recently, but there is a risk of forcing the rating agencies into a negative rating, which would be tragic.”

Meanwhile, Salvini says there is funding for a bridge across the Channel.

“But so is the nuclear power plant in Milan. Mr. Salvini will say something every morning between now and the European elections. The fact is that at the moment we are not using PNRR funds. The comparison with Spain is There’s no mercy. We’re going to get by.” We’re pumping money into industrial policy to encourage investment, but we’re failing to do the most basic things other than nuclear power plants and bridges across the Channel. ”

Minister Giorgetti said he did not expect any amendments from parties supporting the government. What do you suggest instead?

“We propose redirecting funds to health care and, in any case, a reimbursement mechanism, which is what we envisaged for emergency services. If the state cannot secure emergency medical services, At least we have to reimburse them. Obviously these amendments will be rejected and intervention seems very difficult to me. The government will go its own way and that would be seriously irresponsible. It is the path of The Minister also left the window open for the ESM. He said he would comply if Congress asked. Act accordingly But of course they will ratify the ESM, it’s all the ridiculous drama we’ve been witnessing for months. $38 billion could have brought the system back to normal. What I told them, and what I would like to reiterate, is that if they want to renegotiate, they should do so by demanding the reopening of the Health ESM. At least it’s possible. Place it in place. ”